Midrand Local Football Association’s scathing attack on CoJ’s Sports and Recreation Department
Imvuselelo Sporting Organisation, Spring Ed 2023 tournament organisers, blame politics which forced their tournament scheduled to be played at the Rabie Ridge Stadium stopped.
The planned tournament, which was scheduled to commence on September 30, has had to be cancelled by the Midrand Local Football Association.
This comes after the association launched a scathing attack on City’s Sports and Recreation Department saying the U23 soccer tournament falls outside the LFA’s structures.
However, before the cancellation of the Spring Ed 2023 tournament, association chairperson Sthembiso Buthelezi said they were concerned that CoJ had endorsed this tournament.
Buthelezi added the association was the only custodian of soccer in the Midrand area. “We had multiple meetings with the City of Joburg’s Sports and Recreation management, which is under the leadership of Mandla Mahlangu and the resolution was that no sporting activity shall be granted permission by the Sport and Recreation without being endorsed by the Midrand LFA. However, we are surprised and deeply disappointed by recent developments,” he said.
The tournament was going to be played at the Rabie Ridge Stadium every weekend for a month. Buthelezi argued that if this goes ahead, it will negatively affect and block the football development programmes in the Midrand area.
“The U13 to U19 leagues for both girls and boys will be affected by the tournament that will run for four weeks. The tournament meant over 20 000 members of the SAFA LFA will be left stranded, with no alternative field or place to conclude the football development in the Midrand area, as Rabie Ridge Stadium is the only formal facility to accommodate SAFA events in the area”.
Attempts to get Mahlangu’s comment proved futile as he referred us to Mbulelo Bezu who did not respond to the paper. The paper contacted Nkosana Lekotjolo, City spokesperson, who referred us to Dr Karabo Semenya who also did not respond to the allegations.
On September 21, tournament organisers released a statement officially cancelling the tournament. Imvuselelo Sporting Organisation said it is with great sadness to announce the cancellation of the U23 Soccer Tournament: Spring Ed 2023.
“Reaching this decision was tough; however as an organisation, we pride ourselves in hosting tournaments without compromising the lives of our members, players, and the community. It is unfortunate that the development of young players in our community is fought against without any valid reasons and is being included in sports politics that we know nothing about,” read the statement.
Management of the sporting organisation said their mission is to enhance the sports culture in our township, allowing young, talented players to grow their skills, and help fight against substance abuse.
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