Four of South Africa’s soccer giants – league champions Orlando Pirates, Platinum Stars, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtics - will lock horns at the Royal Bafokeng Sport Palace on Sunday November 13, during the inaugural OR Tambo Soccer Challenge. The event is hosted by the North West Provincial Government’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
On November 12, the four teams will conduct coaching clinics for 60 excelling young footballers from various Districts in the Province. The venues are as follows: Orlando Pirates (Mogwase Stadium), Platinum Stars (Moruleng Stadium), Mamelodi Sundowns (Royal Marang Sports Complex) and Bloemfontein Celtic (Olympia Park).
The Department has embarked on a major communication drive to popularise the tournament, with partners in the print and electronic media. The games will be broadcast live on Supersport, with the Semi-Finals at 10:00 and 12:00, respectively. The Final to determine the winners of the OR Tambo Soccer Challenge floating trophy will be at 16:00.
The Honourable MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Hlomane Chauke, has encouraged communities and stakeholders to take ownership of the tournament, to enhance the Province’s reputation as a key player in the hosting of high-profile games. He has also encouraged North West citizenry at large to learn about the contribution of OR Tambo to the liberation of South Africa.
“It is befitting that we remember the legacy of a man who had such a great influence over, and helped shape, the history of our beloved country – which was a life lived in the service of humanity,” said the MEC. “We will use this annual soccer invitational to educate the youth about this patriotic leader, the vision he had for our beautiful country and to promote sporting activism in our communities.
“As part of our celebration of OR Tambo’s life, we will also look at other means to help realise the objectives of the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation.”
The Department will be mobilising staff at Provincial Government, business, religious fraternity and members at every sector of the community around the province to be part of the tournament to honour OR Tambo, through information and promotions, as a build-up to the weekend. Entrance fee is R60.00 and R20.00 for adults and juveniles, respectively. Gate takings will be donated to charities in the Province and sports, arts and culture projects.
So blow your Vuvuzelas, wear your Makarapas and celebrate OR Tambo’s life in a mind-blowing football environment!
Enquiries:
Abe Mogashoa
Cell: 072 141 3346
