By Sello Masilo
The Edgar Legoale Foundation has officially announced the return of its highly anticipated annual soccer event, the Edgar Legoale Knockout 2024 Festive Soccer Tournament. This year’s event will be the sixth edition of what has become a cornerstone in the Free State’s sporting calendar and a nationally recognized event for grassroots football development. The tournament is scheduled to take place from 14 to 22 December 2024, at the Mandela Sports Ground in Parys-Tumahole, Free State. Matches will kick off at 9 a.m. daily.
With the slogan “Together We Stand, Against GBV,” this year’s tournament is not only about showcasing local football talent but also highlighting the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a cause deeply embedded in the values of the Edgar Legoale Foundation.
Cash Prizes and Competitive Teams
A significant draw for this year’s tournament is the R180,000 cash prize pool. Participating teams will be competing for the following awards:
• First prize: R150,000
• Second prize: R25,000
• Third prize: R5,000The tournament registration fee is set at R2,500 per team, and there is an expectation beyond just winning on the field. The winning team will be required to initiate a Gender-Based Violence awareness campaign in their local community as part of their commitment to social change. This stipulation, introduced in previous tournaments, was enforced last year when Jagermeisters FC from Vaal was banned from future participation after failing to launch their campaign.
Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, Edgar Legoale, emphasizes the dual focus of the event: “This tournament is not only about competitive football but also about making a lasting impact in our communities. We believe that sports can be a powerful platform for advocating change, especially in addressing societal issues like GBV. By requiring our winning teams to engage their communities, we are creating a ripple effect that goes far beyond the soccer field.”
Promoting “Pure Kasi Football” and Youth Talent Development
At the heart of the tournament is the promotion of “Pure Kasi Football”, a style of play that embodies the creative, street-style football culture rooted in South African townships. This year, 32 teams will compete in what promises to be an exhilarating display of local football talent, with a focus on unearthing future soccer stars from disadvantaged communities.
A key highlight of the tournament is the presence of professional soccer scouts, who will be attending the event to identify potential rising stars. In previous years, several players have been scouted and have gone on to further their careers in professional football leagues both locally and internationally. The tournament is seen as an important platform for youth development, providing opportunities for young players to showcase their abilities on a national stage.
Gender-Based Violence Awareness: The Core of the 2024 Theme
One of the standout aspects of this year’s event is its strong commitment to raising awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The tournament’s theme, “Together We Stand, Against GBV,” reflects the Edgar Legoale Foundation’s dedication to using sport as a vehicle for social change. Throughout the tournament, players, coaches, and the audience will be encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations about GBV, with activities including survivor stories, expert talks, and workshops designed to challenge harmful societal norms and promote positive change.
“We want this tournament to be about more than just football. By aligning ourselves with the fight against GBV, we hope to inspire action and ignite conversations that lead to a safer and more inclusive society,” said Legoale.
In addition to the soccer matches, the tournament will include various activities aimed at fostering GBV awareness. Workshops led by GBV survivors, guest speakers, and community pledges will form part of the program, all designed to emphasize the role that sports and communities can play in combating gender-based violence.
Sponsorships and Partnerships
The tournament’s success and expansion would not be possible without the support of its sponsors. This year, Central News has come on board as the official sponsor, along with Blaqsnaps Media and Unplayable as media partners. Their involvement underscores the growing prominence of the tournament and its significance not only as a sports event but also as a platform for addressing social issues.
The Foundation has also opened sponsorship opportunities to additional businesses and organizations through its Sponsorship Tier System, which offers various levels of engagement, from Bronze to Platinum. Each tier comes with unique benefits tailored to match the level of investment, making it an attractive proposition for companies looking to support local sports while contributing to social causes.
Expanding the Tournament with Inclusivity
In line with its vision for inclusivity, the Foundation is introducing a series of new initiatives alongside the main tournament. This includes a Pre-Festive Soccer Tournament for juniors (ages 13-17), a masters division, and an upcoming women’s soccer initiative. These initiatives reflect the Foundation’s commitment to promoting equal opportunities in sports and ensuring that players of all ages and genders have a chance to participate.
An Invitation to the Public and Local Vendors
The Mandela Sports Ground will serve as the focal point for this year’s tournament, offering more than just football matches. The event will feature food stalls, clothing vendors, and other community activities, with the Foundation extending an open invitation to the general public to attend. The Foundation has also announced that vendor registration will be free of charge, encouraging local businesses to participate and benefit from the influx of visitors.
“We’re excited to see the community come together, not only to support local talent on the field but also to enjoy a day of food, music, and celebration,” said DJ Pots (Mzwandile Sontyale), the tournament manager.
Edgar Legoale Foundation’s Mission: Using Sport for Social Good
Since its inception, the Edgar Legoale Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission to use sport as a tool for social upliftment. The Foundation’s work goes beyond organizing the Festive Soccer Tournament; it actively engages in a variety of community-based initiatives aimed at addressing social issues such as youth development, gender equality, and GBV. The Festive Soccer Tournament is one of its flagship events, providing a platform for both football excellence and social activism.
Edgar Legoale emphasized the long-term goals of the Foundation, saying, “We are committed to growing this tournament every year, but more importantly, we are focused on ensuring that its impact resonates far beyond the pitch. We want to inspire the youth, support their development, and equip them to be not only great players but also active citizens who contribute positively to society.”
Continued Growth and Community Engagement
As the tournament grows in stature, the Foundation remains dedicated to ensuring that it continues to reflect the values of the local community. Over the past six years, the event has grown from a modest competition to a major calendar event, attracting teams and spectators from across the country. The involvement of local and national sponsors has helped the Foundation broaden its reach, allowing for greater investment in the development of local football talent and community-based programs.
Legoale expressed his gratitude to the community and partners for their ongoing support, stating: “This tournament would not be where it is today without the unwavering backing of the Parys-Tumahole community and our incredible partners. Together, we have built something special, and we look forward to seeing it continue to grow in the years to come.”
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