Lebowakgomo Masters beat Monyoaneng Football Club from Moletjie 4-3 in penalty kicks to win the inaugural Justice and Peace soccer tournament hosted at the South African Defence Force Sports Field on Saturday.
The tourney was organised by The Roman Catholic Diocese of Polokwane in its quest to respond to the scourge of gender based violence which is increasingly affecting communities. The tournament is a means of reaching out to the communities and particularly the youth during the annual 16 Days of Activism against women and children campaign, which commenced yesterday (Wednesday) and will run until 10 December.
Other teams who participated were Legodi Football Club, Semenya Football Club (both from Moletjie), Vrederust Football Club from Ga-Chuene and Green Aces from Ga -Mothiba.
“We invited teams from rural areas and surrounds because most gender based crimes happen there. Before the event we addressed them about violence in general. We want them to help us in the fight to eradicate violence against women and children.
“We want them to know that violence against women and children is not a government or criminal justice system problem, but a societal problem, and that failure to view it as such results in all efforts failing to eradicate this scourge in our communities. We want them to help us to spread the message which we believe they will do,” said the event coordinator Donald Mabitsela who is attached to the diocese.
Lebowakgomo Masters walked away with a floating trophy and
R4 000 in cash. “We are proud of them for winning the tournament. We had good teams who gave their all but at the end of the day there have to be one winner. We are happy and we believe they will be good ambassadors of the tournament and help us to spread the message against gender violence in their community and surrounds,” Mabitsela said.
Yena Khuboni, Miss Commonwealth Charity and Business 2015/16 handed over the trophy to the winning team.
Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert@mailbox.co.za
