Former amateur soccer player Eddy Matshebele wants to develop sports in Tubatse and surrounding areas.

Matshebele, of Eddnor Training and Consulting, sponsored a top-16 soccer tournament for local teams in Ga-Motodi this past weekend.

Titled the Eddy Matshebele Soccer Tournament, it involved teams from all corners of Fetakgomo Tubatse and was played in Matshebele’s home village.

The final, played on Sunday, August 17, at Happy Kings Sportsgrounds, pitted Juventus FC against Mountain Square FC. Juventus won the inaugural tournament 4-2 on penalties after the two teams drew 1-1 in the 90 minutes of play.

There were gifts galore for the participants and finalists. The 16 teams shared more than R50 000 in prizes, sponsored by Matshebele. Juventus went home with a trophy, gold medals, R6 000 in prize money, brand new soccer kits and many other prizes. The runners-up took home silver medals and R3 000.

The host team, Happy Kings FC of Ga-Motodi, were donated brand-new soccer kits by Matshebele, despite being knocked out in the quarter-finals.

Matshebele thanked his family for supporting him and allowing him to launch this tournament. He plans to host it annually, with the aim of keeping the youth active and away from the temptations of alcohol and drugs. The top goal scorer, best goalkeeper, player of the tournament and the best referees were all handed miniature trophies.

He said the 2026 tournament will include netball. He also thanked all the participants for their professionalism and for playing an entertaining brand of football throughout the tournament.