Sports tournament unites Mamelodi community

A local organisation that aims to revive sports facilities at Mamelodi schools held its 6th Seven A-Side Street Soccer tournament for under-13 boys over the weekend.

The community event, hosted by the Mamelodi A4 Foundation, drew over 300 attendees.

Chairperson Dougie Mantjeni said the event was held on the corner of Kekana and Kgotsa streets next to The Alliance Church on Sunday from 09:00 till late.

Mantjeni said the event has grown rapidly. For the first time, the key highlight of the event was the introduction of netball and various indigenous games, where parents and children participated together – strengthening family bonds and a sense of community.

“The event was a success because of the involvement of MTN; Ramatsie Protection; the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation; and the broader Mamelodi community for their unwavering support and partnership,” said Mantjeni.

The sponsors helped with organising four soccer kits for teams participating in the tournament, equipment to organise the tournament, food and boards for indigenous games.

The winners of the tournament walked away with a floating trophy and gold medals, and players each received small trophies. The other teams went home with bronze and silver medals.

Mantjeni said there are three more community events planned for this year.

The foundation is a non-profit organisation and was founded in 2023 with a commitment to engage children during school holidays through organised sports and reviving sports facilities at local schools.

Mantjeni added that the organisation is also addressing the pressing issues of poverty, crime, and substance abuse in the community.

“Our committee brings a wealth of experience in youth programmes and sports initiatives allowing us to effectively execute our mission,” he said.

He said the vision is to create a vibrant community where every child, regardless of their background, has access to positive recreation that nurtures their physical, social, and emotional development.

He added that the foundation provides a safe and engaging environment for children to develop holistically while fostering a sense of community and belonging.

“The ultimate goal is to bring back sports and rehabilitation of facilities in local underprivileged public schools.”

Anyone who wishes to assist with donations for the next event can contact Mantjeni on 063 398 4935.

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