The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, John “Safe Hands” Tlale, hosted the inaugural John Tlale Soccer Games in his hometown of Virginia last Sunday at the Henties Park Stadium.
According to Tlale, the main objective of the games is for him to give back to the community where he originates from, and encourage the kids to take sports seriously and not engage in improper social behaviour.
The Matjhabeng community got a rare opportunity of rubbing shoulders with former soccer stars such as Eric “Tambai” Ramasike, Manqoba “Shakes” Ngwenya, Roger “the general” Feutmba (Sundowns), Serame Letsoaka, Ace Alexander, Moses Moloi (Free State Stars), Abram “Wire” Nteo, and Benjamin Reed (Bloemfontein Celtic). Presley Chweneyagae, the popular actor who played the lead role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, also graced the occasion.
The first semifinals saw the Virginia Masters drawing one-all with Winburg Masters, while in the second game Kroonstad Masters also drew 1 – 1 with Reitz Park Masters.
In the final, Virginia Masters and Reitz Park Masters, who advanced through 5 – 4 on penalties apiece, had a thrilling encounter in front of the 5 000 vociferous spectators who packed the venue. Reitz Park won the final 2 – 1 to lift the inaugural trophy.
The player and goalkeeper of the tournament were awarded to Morapedi Nkopane and Vuyani Monyane of Reitz Park Masters, respectively.
The Chairman’s award went to Moeketsi Kgatlisi of Virginia Masters.
Next year’s tournament will be held on the Easter weekend, at the same venue.
– Sephiri Hlohlolo
