Soccer fans from around Bushbuckridge enjoyed fine moments last weekend when their favourite u/15 teams battled against one another in the Rhino Awareness Soccer Tournament at Thulamahashe Stadium.
City Stars FC from Thulamahashe were crowned the champions following penalty shoot-outs which saw them win with five goals to four.
“It was an honour to coach the team, we look forward to following them in their academic and soccer endeavours at tertiary level. We wish them all the very best for the future,” marked the jubilant City Stars coach, Jomo Rikotso.
Hundreds of fans braved the extremely hot weather of 36 degrees to watch 12 teams from the various parts of the area show their prowess on the field.
It was all courtesy of Madiba Youth Organisation in collaboration with Djuma Private Game Reserves and Hollywood-bets.
The game was both educational and entertaining as it was aimed at raising awareness for rhino poaching for communities surrounding the Kruger National Park.
“By using people’s passion for both sport and conservation we were able to raise awareness and create a couple of fun weekends for everyone involved,” says Hollywood-bets’ Mpumalanga’s Corporate Social Investment, Faniswa Lengs.
“We are pleased to have had the opportunity to sponsor this special tournament, and in doing so, to help inspire change in the lives of many youths through sport.
The event was a success and we would like to thank all the stakeholders who continuously participate in youth development in the area through sport and education.
Hollywood-bets is proud to be part of this wonderful journey,” adds Lengs.
Adam Sibuyi, founder of the Madiba Youth Organisation, says the establishment was passionate about nature conservation.
“We love what we do, we are passionate about rhinos, with our five-year track record of helping them to survive under some of the most difficult circumstances on earth. We are steadfast in our belief that our commitment will help save these magnificent creatures from extinction,”
he says.
