POLOKWANE – As communities head to places of worship for divine intervention this weekend, football enthusiasts from different villages in the province will head to football fields to witness their favorite teams in action.

The ardent fans are saying this is the only way to celebrate Easter and that there is no Easter without a football tournament.

This is an old culture which brings communities together on dusty soccer fields and allows youngsters and veteran soccer players in villages to showcase their talent and entertain masses through the number one sporting code in the world.

Tshishidi Phepeng from Nkotokwane village, who is a football scout and football tournament organizer says these tournaments not only create a thrilling and exciting atmosphere but sort of network platform to reunite and catch up with old classmates and friends.

“We usually have top 8 or top 16 soccer tournaments coupled with entertainment and acts by local artists. This is done to give soccer players in those areas an opportunity to showcase their talent and entertain locals and residents. It is a jovial mood because the makarapas will be in attendance. The students will also be back from their tertiary institutions and they need some form of entertainment,” he said.

Phepeng said not everyone is a churchgoer and that football is medicinal in villages and tournaments are huge.

“This is where many people derive fun and therapy. People find love and relationships from these tournaments. Sometimes scouts from Premier Soccer League and lower division teams visits those tournaments to unravel new talent.”