⚽️ Edgar Legoale Foundation Official Statement on the 2025 Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament ⚽️

Issued: 10 October 2025

The Edgar Legoale Foundation is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated 2025 Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament, a vibrant continuation of our beloved Edgar Legoale Knockout Soccer Challenge. Now marking our seventh year of bringing communities together through the beautiful game, this event promises to deliver pure kasi football at its finest. Set against the backdrop of Mandela Sports Ground in Tumahole, Parys, Free State – right next to Boitlamo Secondary School – the tournament will run from 13 to 21 December 2025. It’s more than just a competition; it’s a powerful platform for talent development, community upliftment, and raising awareness about critical social issues that affect us all.

As we gear up for this festive showdown, we’re proud to spotlight our ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent from grassroots levels. Just like in past years, we’ll have scouts from professional soccer teams on the lookout for emerging stars among our kasi-based players. This year, we’re also excited to launch our new Soccer Youth Development Programme, which will provide essential equipment – like kits, balls, and training gear – to struggling local teams. This initiative aims to level the playing field, ensuring that every aspiring footballer has the tools to chase their dreams and contribute positively to their communities.

At the heart of the tournament lies our unwavering focus on combating gender-based violence (GBV), a scourge that continues to tear apart families and neighbourhoods across South Africa. Under the theme “Kick GBV Out of Kasi,” we’ll ignite meaningful conversations, challenge harmful stereotypes, and empower everyone involved to stand against violence. Recent statistics paint a stark picture: according to the Human Sciences Research Council and other reports, over 36% of South African women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes, with intimate partner violence affecting at least 51% of women nationwide. In the Free State, GBV cases have seen a gradual rise over recent years, mirroring the national trend where, between July and September 2024 alone, 957 women were murdered and over 14,000 assaults causing grievous bodily harm were reported. These numbers are heartbreaking, but through this tournament, the Edgar Legoale Foundation is taking action. Every participating team will engage in GBV awareness efforts, and the winning side must launch a dedicated campaign in their own community – turning the spotlight on prevention, support for survivors, and building safer, more inclusive spaces for women and girls.

We’re calling on businesses, investors, and philanthropists to join us as partners in this transformative event. With over 10,000 attendees expected – including passionate fans, families, and soccer enthusiasts – the tournament offers unparalleled exposure through livestreaming on all Central News digital platforms, our proud main sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities range from Bronze to Platinum packages, each tailored to deliver real value, such as co-branding, on-site activations, media shout-outs, and direct community impact. By investing in us, you’re not just supporting soccer development; you’re fueling youth empowerment, talent scouting, and the fight against GBV – all while boosting your brand in a meaningful way. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our media partners, Metsimaholo FM, Unplayable, and Blaqsnaps Media, for helping amplify our message far and wide.

Members of the media, the general public, soccer scouts, and vendors are all warmly invited to be part of the action. Food stalls, clothing vendors, and more are welcome – with free spaces for local entrepreneurs to register via our Tournament Manager, and affordable options for corporates. Additional activities, including workshops and entertainment, will be revealed in the coming weeks. Together, let’s make this tournament a beacon of hope and change.

Edgar Legoale, Chairman of the Edgar Legoale Foundation said:
“As we celebrate seven years of the Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament, I can’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come in turning a simple love for the game into a force for good in our communities. This event started as a way to showcase raw kasi talent and give young lads a shot at the big leagues, but it’s grown into so much more – a rallying cry against the injustices that plague our society, especially gender-based violence. Seeing scouts from pro teams spotting gems in our players fills me with pride, and now, with our new youth development programme handing out equipment to under-resourced sides, we’re ensuring no talent gets left behind.”
“What motivates me most is the real impact we make on the ground. In a country where stats show over a third of women facing violence, and with rising cases right here in the Free State, we can’t just sit back. This tournament is our way of kicking GBV out of our kasis – through fun, football, and frank discussions that empower everyone to step up. The compulsory GBV campaign for winners isn’t just a rule; it’s a commitment to lasting change, inspiring teams to lead awareness drives in their own backyards and build stronger, safer neighbourhoods.”
“I’m passionate about creating opportunities that go beyond the pitch. Our festive and Easter tournaments have become staples, drawing crowds of over 10,000 and putting Parys on the map. But we need partners to take it to the next level – sponsors who see the value in investing in youth, sport, and social justice. Whether it’s through branding on our livestreams or on-site engagements, your support helps us scout talent, equip teams, and fight GBV, all while giving back to the community that needs it most.”

“To potential investors and sponsors, I say this: Join us, and let’s co-create something special. Our tiered packages – from Bronze to Platinum – are designed to maximise your returns, with benefits like exclusive shout-outs from our media partners and direct access to a massive, engaged audience. This isn’t just sponsorship; it’s a partnership that adds real value to your business while making a tangible difference in lives affected by poverty, lack of resources, and violence.”

“Finally, to our communities in Tumahole and beyond: Come out in numbers, support your teams, and let’s make this festive season one of unity and action. The Edgar Legoale Foundation is here for you – developing soccer stars, launching youth programmes, and standing firm against GBV. Together, we can score big for a better future.”

For tournament details: 32 teams will battle it out, with free affiliation for all. Prizes total R100,000 – R80,000 for first place, R15,000 for second, and R5,000 for third. Teams must submit a profile with pictures, a motivation for entry, and the registration form.

For more information or to register: Contact DJ Pots, Tournament Manager, at 078 466 2089 or soccer@edgarlegoale.com.

Blessing Maphisa, Assistant Tournament Manager at +27 76 649 1472 (WhatsApp) or +27 673038688 (call)

For interviews and more information:
Nthabiseng Molejane, Foundation Manager, at 082 287 2290 (WhatsApp or call) or nthabiseng@edgarlegoale.com.

Issued by the Edgar Legoale Foundation

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