LGBTI tournament cause a stir at Rabie Ridge Stadium

The war of words between the Midrand Local Football Association (MLFA) and the City of Joburg Sports and Recreation seems to be far from over.

This stems from the ongoing Phuti Lekoloane LGBTI Legacy Games which commenced on September 30 and is currently being played at the Rabie Ridge Stadium. The tournament which was deemed by MLFA to fall outside the association’s structures is scheduled to conclude on October 28.

City spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said Sport and Recreation was confronted with the challenge of individuals expressing homophobic views openly.
“The Sport and Recreation directorate has engaged with the MLFA on more than five occasions, three of which involved the presence of Joburg Safa. However, it appears that these entities harbour concealed motives. Phuthi Lekoloane has experienced harassment and mistreatment, including disparaging remarks, spreading uncertainty about the tournament, withdrawal of referees and teams, and fostering instability,” said Modingoane.

He alleged the chairperson of MFLA, Sthembiso Buthelezi, in particular, had expressed a determination to bar the tournament.

Modingoane also accused Buthelezi of demonstrating a personal vendetta against the City of Johannesburg and the LGBTI community.
“The city, committed to inclusivity, serves all communities, and no one should have the authority to monopolise public facilities,” he said. Modingoane challenged the notion that individuals must seek permission from the local football association to utilise any city facility. He added such personal biases should not be allowed to disrupt the harmonious functioning of events.
However, these allegations did not sit well with Buthelezi.
“I have noted everything that has been said about me being against the LGBTI community openly. I will open a case of defamation of character. I would like to be vetted on everything that I do, including my social media accounts and speeches where I’ve ever attacked the [LGBTI] community. My view is that LGBTI must exercise their freedom of movement without anyone infringing on their rights,” said Buthelezi.
“Midrand LFA stands by and can defend the fact that they were not consulted as a football stakeholder in the area meanwhile we say the tournament is for growing. The LFA has been thrown out of Rabie Ridge Stadium by [regional manager Mandla] Mahlangu and it is said that our vice president Siyabulela Loyilane is one of the people who developed the concept for this tournament, and today we are told we boycotting it.”

Buthelezi claimed the city didn’t support the MLFA and would rather support something that destabilised anything related to organised football in the area.

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