Offenders compete in soccer tournament in Bethal

The Bethal Correctional Services hosted its top four soccer tournament (4L Games) at its sports ground on May 25. Offenders from Bethal Correctional Centre and the Standerton Correctional Centre attended this tournament.

The day’s tournament also included two teams of non-offenders from Johannesburg. The purpose of this tournament is to help improve the rehabilitation process of offenders in correctional centres.

According to Siphiwe Mahlangu, spokesperson for the Bethal Correctional Centre, these tournaments help with the mental health and physical well-being of offenders.

“It helps them to focus and steer them away from negative thoughts. Consequently, it contributes towards refining their behaviour and results in an effective rehabilitation process,” said Mahlangu.

In the first round of the semi-finals, Bethal Correctional Centre beat South Gunners Sports from Johannesburg with 4 – 2 on penalties.

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In the second round of the semi-finals, Standerton Correctional Centre beat Amaroto from Johannesburg with 1-0.
Bethal and Standerton went through to face each other in the finals.

The two teams finished the game in a 2-2 draw and proceeded to a penalty shootout. Standerton was victorious after beating Bethal 4-2 and walked away with the winning trophy and gold medals, while Bethal was awarded silver medals.

The area commissioner of the Bethal management area, Abel Mashaba, was thrilled at the standard and performance of the game.

“The ultimate goal of organising such tournaments is to enhance rehabilitation to eradicate criminality, particularly gangsterism, within its correctional facilities,” said Mashaba.

Sibusiso Simelane of 4L Games urged the offenders to refrain from any form of violence and discouraged the act of getting tattoos on their bodies, as this would reduce their chances of being employed.

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