Lepara La Batho Foundation brings community together through football

Ga-Kgwete – The Lepara La Batho Foundation has host the inaugural of their top 8 football tournament organized at Ga-Kgwete Village in Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, held on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July 2024. Two venues, Tubula Sports Grounds and Banareng Sports Grounds were used during the tournament.

The tournament attracted hundreds of spectators who were joined by guests such as Miss South Africa 2024 Finalist Mahlogonolo Bjalane AKA Nolo Dee, as well as local artists who mesmerized football supporters with soothing sounds of music.

Altogether, eight football teams from different parts of FTLM, Sekoti FC, Marumofase FC, Manyaka Movers FC, Mashishi Try Again FC, Morakaneng FC, Banareng Black Vultures FC, Tubula FC and Platinum FC, battled it out for the big trophy, medals and first prize money.

Manyaka Movers FC emerged as winners of the first Lepara La Batho Foundation Tournament and walked away with a big trophy, gold medals and R10 000-00 cash prize.

Tubula FC were runners-up of the tournament and they were awarded silver medals and R5 000-00 cash prize. All teams participated in the tournament received a full soccer kit from the sponsors.

Lepara La Batho Foundation Chairperson, Jackson Nyalungu, said the tournament was in line with the Mandela Month commemoration and its main objective is to open opportunities for young talented players to showcase their talents in front of scouts from teams participating at a professional level.

“Today marks a very historic moment in our communities as the inaugural tournament of Lepara La Batho Foundation. The month of July is known as heroes’ month. As the chairperson of the foundation, I have dedicated these games to the first democratic president of the country, Ntate Nelson Mandela, who whiled away his life serving the interests and aspirations of our people,” he said.

Nyalungu added that the foundation is pleased that the tournament gained a positive response from community members while acknowledging the presence of young men and women who honoured the invitation without caution or reserved criticism.

“Let me also acknowledge and salute the Royal House of Ga-Kgwete, councillors from our local municipality, business people and our dynamic and dedicated football clubs. I salute you all. We are happy that we had successful and yet dignified games which never had any element of conflict and disruption, for such extensive and humble behaviour I salute you all,” he said.

Nyalungu said the foundation will create a social programme with the intention of looking into the depth of the challenges that obstructs the progression of local football players to professional ranks.

He congratulated Manyaka Movers FC for winning the first Lepara La Batho Football Tournament and all the teams that participated.