Edgar Legoale Foundation Official Statement on the Pre-2024 Festive Soccer Tournament Games for Women, Juniors, and Masters

1 November 2024

The Edgar Legoale Foundation is pleased to announce the annual Pre-Edgar Legoale Knockout 2024 Festive Soccer Tournament, set to kick off on 30 November 2024. This year, we are excited to host games for Juniors under 13 and 17, women’s teams, and Masters, leading up to the main tournament for senior teams scheduled from 14-22 December 2024. We invite teams to register by the 18 November 2024 closing date.

The Foundation is proud to support our winning teams with dedicated prize funds aimed at enabling them to obtain essential soccer equipment, fostering team development and growth, rather than personal enrichment. Over the past six years, this tournament has become a celebrated event in the Free State and beyond, thanks to the unwavering support of our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have helped make this tournament a success.

The Festive Soccer Tournament and similar events are central to our mission of promoting “Pure Kasi Football,” a commitment that drives us to nurture young talent in our local communities and inspire a culture of sportsmanship.

“Together We Stand, Against GBV” is this year’s theme, reflecting our commitment to using sport as a platform for social change. Our tournament aims to inspire conversations, challenge outdated stereotypes, and rally our communities to fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Through these efforts, we aim to build a safer, more inclusive society.

The Pre-Tournament games will take place at Mandela Sports Ground (next to Boitlamo Secondary School) in Parys-Tumahole, Free State. The top eight teams in each category will compete, with a “Winner Takes All” prize structure as follows:

Prizes:

• Under 13: R5,000
• Under 17: R5,000
• Masters: R5,000
• Women’s Teams: R10,000

Team Affiliation: Free

Main Tournament

The main tournament will be held from 14-22 December 2024, with games starting at 9 am daily at Mandela Sports Ground, located near Boitlamo Secondary School in Parys-Tumahole. We look forward to hosting 32 teams competing for total cash prizes of R180,000.00, distributed as follows:

• First Prize: R150,000.00
• Second Prize: R25,000.00
• Third Prize: R5,000.00

Registration for the main tournament is open, with an entry fee of R2,500.00 per team. The closing date for main tournament registration will be announced soon. As part of our commitment to social responsibility, the winning team will be required to initiate a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign within their community. Teams failing to fulfil this requirement will be permanently banned from future tournaments, as was the case with “Jagermeisters FC” from Vaal, which did not follow through with their campaign after last year’s victory.

Message from Edgar Legoale, Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation

To all youth, women, and Masters teams participating in this year’s tournament:
Your passion for soccer inspires us all. This tournament is your platform to showcase your skills, strengthen community bonds, and create meaningful change. As we come together for a shared purpose, remember that this event goes beyond soccer – it’s a statement of unity against social issues like GBV that impact us all.

To potential sponsors:
We call on you to join us in making a tangible impact. By partnering with us, you’re not only supporting the growth of local talent but also standing up for meaningful social change. Let’s work together to make this tournament a powerful and positive force within our communities.

Activities and Community Engagement

Our tournament activities will be inclusive and community-focused. In addition to the soccer matches, we will host awareness workshops, survivor stories, guest speakers, and sessions where experts will share valuable insights on GBV. Community members are encouraged to join us in making pledges to foster a safer environment for everyone.

Sponsorship and Media Partnerships

The Edgar Legoale Foundation is grateful for the support of Central News as the tournament’s main sponsor, along with our media partners, Blaqsnaps Media and Unplayable. We are offering further sponsorship opportunities through our Sponsorship Tier System, which ranges from Bronze to Platinum levels. Each tier offers unique benefits suited to different levels of investment. Your sponsorship will contribute to the success of this major event, helping us build a platform for local talent while raising awareness about pressing issues like GBV.

Invitation to the Community

We warmly invite members of the media, the general public, sponsors, and soccer scouts to join us as we celebrate this showcase of local talent. Vendors selling food, clothing, and other items are welcome to set up stalls at the tournament free of charge. Vendor registration will open soon, and we look forward to creating an enjoyable environment for all attendees.

Tournament Registration and Contact Information

For more information or to register, please contact:

• DJ Pots (Mzwandile Sontyale), Tournament Manager, at (078) 466-2089 (available on WhatsApp and Call)
• Blessing Maphisa, Assistant Tournament Manager, at +27 76 649 1472 (WhatsApp) or +27 673038688 (call)

You can also reach us via email at: soccer@edgarlegoale.com

Visit our website: www.edgarlegoale.com

Follow us on social media:

• Facebook: @elksc and @edgarlegoalefoundation
• Twitter: Elkschallenge
• Instagram: @edgarlegoalefoundation

Issued by the Edgar Legoale Foundation
Distributed by Blaqsnaps Media
Media Enquiries: bongane@blaqsnaps.co.za / blaqsnaps@gmail.com / +27 (84) 308-0975

For Interviews:
Contact DJ Pots (Mzwandile Sontyale), Tournament Manager, at (078) 466-2089 (available on WhatsApp and Call)