The tournament will see over eight Soweto schools competing for this inaugural football and netball fest, scheduled for Diepkloof Zone 5 Grounds on Youth Day-June 16 (Thursday).
By staging this inaugural tournament, which will coincide with the 40th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprisings, Radebe aims to intensify interest and participation in sport among the local youth as well as revive school’s sports in Soweto.
“What a better way to do this than on one of the most historic days in our country,” said former Kaizer Chiefs and Leeds United defender Lucas, who is a product of Diepkloof.
The tournament will see eight secondary schools from Soweto – seven from Diepkloof and one from Orlando, compete for honours in a straight knockout format in soccer and netball.
Matches will be played in a knockout format to kick-off at 09:30am followed by the semi-finals at midday.
The finals are scheduled to commence at 14:45pm. The winning school will receive a floating trophy and medals, while there will also be individual player awards presented after the final.
It is hoped the tournament will be an annual event.
Participating Schools:
Madibane Secondary School (Diepkloof)
Diepdale Secondary School (Diepkloof)
Bopasenatla Secondary School (Diepkloof)
Immaculata Secondary School (Diepkloof)
Fidelitas Secondary School (Diepkloof)
Fonsluminas Secondary School (Diepkloof)
Namedi Secondary School (Diepkloof)
Orlando West High Secondary school (Orlando)
“I’m delighted with the opportunity to host this tournament in the same area where I was groomed and given the opportunity to hone my talent.
Sport is an integral part of our communities across Soweto. I’ve always wanted to better serve the people and scholars of Diepkloof, not only by unearthing future soccer and netball stars, but also to honour my late mother,” says “Rhoo”.
He emphasises that sport leaves a lasting legacy in one’s life.
‘Ntuba’ as he’s known to family and friends quipped: “Till today, I apply the values and discipline I was taught by my late Mom as well as sport in whatever I do.”
In 2000, “Rhoo” was awarded the FIFA Fair Play Award and in 2008, a local Leeds brewery asked for suggestions for a new beer- the most popular suggestion was Radebeer.
He recently got married after his wife passed-on due to cancer.
There will also be live music and entertainment at the games.
