The sound of cheering supporters, whistles, and bouncing footballs filled the grounds of Muzomuhle Primary School in Diepsloot as young players showcased their talent during the Diepsloot Sport Forum’s annual Mandela Day soccer tournament on July 18 and 19.

Read more: Local soccer star excels in soccer camp

Now in its fourth year of partnership with McDonald’s, the tournament brought together over 1 000 children from the U10 to U17 age groups, while the Diepsloot Sport Forum’s year-round programme reaches around 5 000 children, through structured weekend leagues running from August to May.

Diepsloot Sport Forum vice-chairperson Stanley Maluleka said the partnership has grown over the past four years. “We have been hosting Mandela Day for more than 10 years, but McDonald’s Fourways Mall, Fourways Crossing, and Riverside has been with us for the past four years.

This year we are joined by McDonald’s South Africa, which means we can do more for the children. We have more kids participating, more food, and more resources because the bigger team has come on board.”

The forum caters for various sporting codes across Diepsloot, but every Mandela Day the focus turns to football and aerobics, bringing the community together through healthy competition and physical activity.

Maluleka said the tournament also reflects the growth of women’s football in the area. “We have a women’s league that was started with the support of River Sands McDonald’s. We now have 12 women’s teams, while the boys’ divisions have more than 32 teams competing across different age groups.”

He added that the tournament featured divisions from U10 to U15, with winning teams receiving soccer kits sponsored by McDonald’s South Africa.

Hilda Moja, a McDonald’s franchisee who has supported the initiative since its inception, said the business remains committed to investing in young people beyond the tournament itself.

Also read: Fourways High’s U19 soccer team takes Camp Discovery Soccer cup

“This weekend, we attended the event with our staff and sponsored soccer kits, soccer bibs, gazebos, and meals for all participants. We will also be providing coaching courses for the coaching staff and a job readiness workshop for young people in the community.”

She added that the tournament is made possible by the dedication of 32 volunteer coaches and referees who give up their weekends throughout the year to mentor young players and organise community competitions.

“As we celebrate Mandela month, we are reminded of the power of coming together to make a meaningful difference in communities. Together, we can help build stronger and more resilient communities.”

For Babalwa Zenzile, the tournament was about more than competing for trophies. “I’m very excited because I’m doing what I love. Thank you to McDonald’s for sponsoring us with soccer kits and food. We are looking forward to winning this tournament.”

For the full Mandela Day tournament results, and to see which teams were crowned champions, keep an eye on the Fourways Review.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!