Street soccer tournament unites the whole community
Former soccer player Mbali Mdluli sponsored the R1 500 voucher prizes.
A local foundation dedicated to fostering community wellness and development held its third soccer tournament called the Eastwood Soccer tournament on Saturday.
The tournament was organised by the Shaw Mphahlele Foundation and it was held at Mamelodi West Section D2 Eastwood Community Park.
Rhoda Hamane from the foundation said the aim of hosting the tournament was to honour the founder, Shaw Mphahlele, for his good work in the community.
Hamane said everyone in the community participated in the soccer tournament, from under-13 boys and girls, including community members.
“The Eastwood Soccer tournament was also a platform to keep children busy and away from the streets,” said Hamane.
Hamane added they chose to host the tournament at Eastwood Community Park, because it has produced soccer legends in Mamelodi.
Mbali Mdluli, a former soccer player and businesswoman, said she decided to sponsor the winners of the tournament with vouchers of R1 500 each.
Mdluli said she supported the tournament because it gives community children an opportunity to participate in different sports activities.
Junior Majokane from Majokane Funeral Services said they decided to come on board and support the tournament with refreshments because they liked the idea of removing children from the streets.
“There is a lot of talent in Mamelodi. Encouraging the children to participate in different sports activities will unleash their hidden talents and help them stay away from drugs, crime and teenage pregnancy.”
Thandanani Drop Inn Centre, an organisation fighting against drugs, also supported the tournament with refreshments and spoke about their services.
Hamane added that the foundation is still planning to host more tournaments in Mamelodi and will focus on improving sport at the grassroots level of the community, school and local clubs.
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