Soweto and Eldos clubs invited to join 2025 Sihle Mtshali soccer tournament

The Sihle Mtshali Foundation (SMF) returns with the 2025 edition of the Sihle Mtshali Top 16 soccer tournament, set to take place in Lawley, south of Johannesburg, from August 9 to 17.

The foundation has again opened its doors for U22 teams to battle it out for a R15 000 cash prize and soccer kits.

The founder of the SMF, Sibonelo ‘Pastor’ Mtshali, invites interested clubs across Johannesburg to participate, saying the tournament aimed to unite young people from all walks of life and contribute to local sports development. It will also be a platform for players to showcase their talent in front of large crowds.

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“TheLawley community loves football. We even travel to other townships to watch matches.

“In honour of my late brother, who loved the sport, I decided to host this tournament to celebrate what he enjoyed with the community,” Mtshali said.

Coach Shaka Mabena of Dzadza Sports Development from Protea South said they are preparing to participate again.

“We have been part of the tournament from the beginning. We won the inaugural edition in 2023, and last year, we lost in the finals, along with another team from Dlamini, Soweto.

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“It is a great competition, and we hope to win it again this year because we are a dominant team in Protea. We want to grow our brand.

“Since winning two years ago, we have formed good friendships and received invitations to play in the Vaal, Ennerdale and Lawley,” said Mabena.

He added that they had recruited more teams from Soweto to join the tournament.

“Many local teams do not participate in competitions outside their area because they fear they would not receive their prizes if they won. But that is not the case here because, when we won, we received everything as promised.”

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Mabena also emphasised the importance of such tournaments for player development, saying they offered a great stage and audience.

“Players often get stage fright due to large community support, but this prepares them for the big stage as their careers progress.

“It is tougher when you play against a local team, but when facing teams from other areas, supporters choose who to cheer for based on performance,” he said.

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Prizes:
• Special prizes for player, goalkeeper and players’ player of the tournament;
• The winners will receive R15 000, a soccer kit, a trophy, and medals.
• The runners-up will walk away with R5 000, a kit and medals.
For more information, call Mtshali on 084 404 2236.