VANDERBIJLPARK.- The Emfuleni Local Municipality’s (ELM) mayor, Hassan Mako, hosted a dinner for the three local Bafana Bafana stars, Thapelo Maseko, Tshepang Moremi and Relebohile Mofokeng, at the Mayoral Parlour on Thursday (July 9).

It was an unforgettable event for these soccer stars who hoisted the Vaal Triangle flag high at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The trio was part of the Bafana Bafana team that made history when South Africa qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Last 32 for the first time.

The dinner was two occasions in one, a farewell and a celebration. The mayor wanted to celebrate their success and also bid farewell to Relebohile Mofokeng, who is going to pursue his football career abroad in Belgium.

The event was graced by the who’s who of football and politics.

The evening’s programme was directed by Mlungisi Hlongwane, advisor to the mayor.

Standing at the mayor’s side was the chairperson of the Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Portfolio Committee and member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Disebo Tlebere, with the MMC of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lehlohonolo Malindi, tasked with welcoming the guests.

Well-known businessman and former Bro-Thoms Blackpool FC owner Molefe Meloa was part of the Local Organising Committee tasked with giving a brief background of the event.

Former SuperSport United and Bafana Bafana midfielder Peter ‘Fire’ Khoabane gave a motivational speech to the young soccer stars. However, Moremi was represented by his family, as it was reported that he had to attend an Orlando Pirates photo shoot.

Maseko and Mofokeng were accompanied by their families and their former development coaches to witness this special occasion.

Tlebere, who is a proud Orlando Pirates supporter, was also the main speaker of the evening, saying that the Vaal has been overlooked for some time now.

The mayor congratulated Mofokeng on his move to Belgium, wished him well, and said he does not doubt that Mofokeng will make the Vaal proud.

He stated that all three of them will undoubtedly make Emfuleni proud in their respective journeys. He also took the opportunity to congratulate Boipatong FC for being promoted to the ABC Motsepe League.

“We must also give credit to these players’ development coaches for a job well done. They developed these players before the world witnessed their talent. I also want to thank the parents of the players; you can tell by how they behave that they are raised well,” he said.

The two soccer stars, Maseko and Mofokeng, signed a FIFA World Cup 2026 match ball and a Bafana Bafana jersey, creating a lasting symbol of the Vaal Triangle’s contribution to South African football. The memorabilia will serve as a reminder that, at one stage, three players from the Vaal represented the region on football’s biggest stage.

They were given the opportunity to address the guests and showed their appreciation to the organisers for honouring them.