Share

Soweto honours its soccer legends

accreditation
IN MEMORY:  The Solomon ‘Stix’ Morewa tournament has been launched. (Themba Makofane)
IN MEMORY: The Solomon ‘Stix’ Morewa tournament has been launched. (Themba Makofane)

Johannesburg - The Soweto Local Football Association (SLFA) is on a mission to honour the township’s fallen heroes.

From the Zodwa Khoza Memorial Cup and the Clinix Stix Morewa Soccer Challenge to the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge, the SLFA is remembering these icons through football tournaments.

A few days ago saw the conclusion of the Zodwa Khoza games, which started in August.

This week, the Stix Morewa tournament was launched to honour the late SA Football Association president.

Strength to strength

The Walter Sisulu challenge will bring the curtain down on the year.

Khoza is the late daughter of Orlando Pirates chair Irvin Khoza.

SLFA chairperson Phil Mogodi said they made the decision to honour their legends after realising that the present crop of youngsters knew little or nothing about them.

He said more than 1 000 teams would participate in the Stix Morewa event, including juniors, seniors and women’s sides.

“This is our way of honouring our legends – we are here because of them. It is our little contribution to them and we are happy that people such as Ntate Kop [Matseke] have come on board,” said Mogodi.

The tournament is in its 13th year and Mogodi believes it has grown from strength to strength.

Last year, the association launched junior tournaments named after many of the township’s former heroes.

Football legends of yesteryear now have their names attached to tournaments in and around Soweto.

Important role

Mogodi said young players were graduating from Ariel “Pro” Khongoane’s Under-13 competition, Mike Ntombela’s Under-15 contest and Doctor Khumalo’s Under-17 event.

“If we don’t recognise them now, no one will, and they will soon be forgotten. We want them to be remembered forever by naming tournaments after them.

"Football played an important role in the struggle too, hence we are here today to recognise them,” said Mogodi.

The organisation was encouraged by the response from the legends, he said.

“Some have agreed to use their own money to run these events and we are grateful for that.”

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE