EVATON.- The young rising star from Kaizer Chiefs, Naledi Hlongwane, stole the spotlight at the Pooe Festive Soccer Tournament in the Vaal.

The annual event, widely regarded as one of Gauteng’s premier off-season competitions, is currently underway in Evaton and runs until December 30.

Hlongwane, who lives just a few kilometres from the venue, was among the notable names spotted watching this annual festival soccer tournament.

As a youngster, he grew up playing there before his move to Naturena development through his academy in Vanderbijlpark.

Former Kaizer Chiefs dreadlocks box-to-box midfielder, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, was also in attendance. He is still popular among soccer fans, especially Amakhosi supporters.

The Pooe Festive Soccer Tournament organisers were humbled by Hlongwane’s attendance and took to Facebook to express their gratitude, noting how honoured they were to see him sitting among soccer fans watching the games throughout the day.

This tournament attracted a large number of supporters from across Gauteng.

“His appearance inspired the youngsters who look up to him as a role model. He is incredibly humble and took the time to speak with everyone,” the organisers said.

Hlongwane recently featured as part of Black Label All Stars that lost 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in an exhibition match.

The Pooe Festive Soccer Tournament has also become a scouting hub, with PSL talent seekers watching closely.

It is a fact that the Vaal is well-known for producing top talent in South African football.

Some of the players the Vaal produced include Steve Lekoelea, Phiri Tsotetsi, Aaron Mokoena, and recently Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, and Hlongwane.

Meanwhile, this year’s tournament saw a massive upset. The defending champions, COVID-19 FC, were one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.

They were knocked out of the tournament in the semifinals by Government FC, who went on to be crowned the 2025 Pooe Festive Tournament champions.