Edgar Legoale Foundation Official Statement on the 2025 Easter Soccer Tournament

23 January 2025

The Edgar Legoale Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2025 Edgar Legoale Knockout Easter Soccer Tournament, marking seven successful years of fostering talent and community spirit. This event has grown to become one of the foremost soccer tournaments in the Free State, consistently capturing the hearts of local soccer enthusiasts. We wholeheartedly thank the community for their unwavering support, making this tournament a staple of pride in our province.

This year’s theme, “SAY NO TO DRUGS, YES TO GOALS!” reiterates our commitment to raising awareness about the damaging effects of drugs, especially amongst our youth. Alarmingly, recent statistics show that drug abuse remains a significant concern in South Africa, with substance-related issues affecting many young people, disrupting their lives and dreams. The Free State has not escaped this reality, with communities expressing concern over rising drug use. Our tournament seeks to counteract this trend by engaging young people in positive activities and offering a platform for burgeoning soccer talents to thrive.

The Edgar Legoale Knockout occurs annually during Easter and December. This year’s tournament will take place from 18-21 April 2025 at the Mandela Sports Ground, adjacent to Boitlamo Secondary School in Parys-Tumahole, Free State. Matches will kick-off daily at 9 am. We invite 16 determined teams to compete for not only the glory but also a total prize pool of R65,000: R50,000 for the champions, R10,000 for the runner-up, and R5,000 for the third-place finishers.

Crucially, the tournament champions will be required to spearhead a drug awareness campaign within their community. In doing so, we ensure the message of “SAY NO TO DRUGS, YES TO GOALS!” reverberates beyond the field. A poignant reminder is the permanent banishment of Jagermeisters FC from Vaal for failing to fulfil this commitment in 2023.

“As the Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, I call upon teams and community members to rally behind our cause. This tournament is more than a showcase of soccer skills; it’s a rallying cry to protect our youth from the clutches of drug abuse,” states Edgar Legoale. “We each play a crucial role: whether it’s waving a flag, scoring a goal, or cheering from the sidelines, every effort adds to the fight against drug abuse. We are building not only athletes but role models, inspiring others to live drug-free lives.”

Our 2025 Easter edition promises a series of engaging activities: inclusive soccer matches, awareness workshops, survivor stories, and expert guest speakers, culminating in community pledges against drug abuse. Your participation and sponsorship can catalyze this movement, helping us create an impactful and memorable event. Our sponsorship packages allow businesses to join this noble cause, offering diverse benefits tailored to different tiers. Your support can indeed create waves, furthering our cause and elevating the tournament to greater heights.

We express our gratitude to Central News and Blaqsnaps Media for their continued sponsorship and support as media partners. Stay tuned for information about our Pre-Easter Soccer Tournament.

The Edgar Legoale Foundation welcomes members of the media, the general public, and keen soccer scouts to discover emerging talents. Vendors—food, clothing, and more—are invited to set up stalls free of charge, with registration details forthcoming.

For more information and to register:

Contact:
– Dj Pots (Mzwandile Sontyale): +27 78 466 2089 (call or WhatsApp)
– Blessing Maphisa (Assistant Tournament Manager): +27 76 649 1472 (WhatsApp) or call +27 67 303 8688

Email: soccer@edgarlegoale.com

Visit: www.edgarlegoale.com
Facebook: @elksc | @edgarlegoalefoundation
Twitter: @Elkschallenge
Instagram: @edgarlegoalefoundation

Issued by Edgar Legoale Foundation

Distributed by Blaqsnaps Media
Media Enquiries: bongane@blaqsnaps.co.za / cc : blaqsnaps@gmail.com / +27 (84) 308-0975