Midrand LFA hopes to host another successful women’s tournament

In a bid to improve and promote reading, Midrand LFA chairperson Sthembiso Buthelezi says they will be collecting reading books and donating them to local primary schools.

May 23, 2024

Sphiwe Masilela 1 minute read

PCF Ladies team celebrates their victory at the Rabie Ridge Stadium. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

The Midrand Local Football Association (MLFA) chairperson says they will host their annual woman’s soccer tournament on August 9.

This comes after hosting another ladies’ tournament at the Rabie Ridge Stadium in late March to improve women’s football and take young girls off the streets.

Bonolo Mokwatle and Sthembiso Buthelezi congratulate Lebohang Tholo. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Association chairperson Sthembiso Buthelezi said the upcoming tournament needed everyone’s involvement and appealed to community members, and business people to lend a helping hand.

He said the tournament’s purpose is to collect sanitary pads, cosmetics and books.

“Our theme for 2024 is: ‘A room without books is like a body without a soul’ – Cicero. We will be collecting different reading books and donating them to local primary schools to promote reading and also collect sanitary pads and donating to local high schools and our Midrand LFA women’s football teams,” said Buthelezi.

Nthabeleng Sekete, Nomasonto Ngobeni, Ayanda Makhaza (best player of the tournament), Bonolo Mokwatle and Sthembiso Buthelezi. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

He said the tournament was hosted by Bonolo Makwatle of Women’s Diksi Challenge together with LFA’s women’s football committee.

“The tournament had about 16 teams and different stakeholders. The purpose of the tournament was to develop women’s football around Midrand. Thanks to our partners: Vumatel, Lebowa Funerals, Gauteng Department of Sports, Recreation and Social Development,” added Buthelezi.

Vumatel’s Nomasonto Ngobeni said they are passionate about empowering communities through sport and their involvement in the MLFA is a testament to their dedication to community development.

Nthabeleng Sekete, Nomasonto Ngobeni, Boitumelo Daile (captain), Bonolo Mokwatle and Sthembiso Buthelezi. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“Our participation in the women’s tournament marked our commitment to supporting gender equality and combating socio-economic challenges. As part of our sponsorship, we provided vital support by contributing resources towards the event that’s beneficial for all participating teams in the tournament, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality matches,” said Ngobeni.

Nthabeleng Sekete from Lebowa Funerals said, “We see it befitting to support the communities that supports us, more especially this tournament as it plays a role in uplifting not only the community but uplifting a girl child. We are hoping for a better relationship soon, where the two organisations can help each other to uplift and grow the communities they serve.”