South Africa’s late musical icons who left this world at their prime, are set to be honoured at this year’s leg of the annual Celebrity Soccer Tournament.
The fourth trophy game edition will honour the late Keirnan “AKA” Forbes and Rikhado “Riky Rick” Makhado. This according to maskandi singer and tournament organizer Khuzani Mpungose.
AKA was shot in a targeted hit in February last year in Durban. Ricky Rick took his own life in early 2022 at his home. Both stars were in their early 30s, with a lot to contribute to the industry.
Both stars participated in the tournament
As thousands of people continue to attend the artists’ soccer event, the two stars will be honoured this year. They both participated in the first two editions of the tournament.
“We launched a soccer tournament based on music genres playing against each other. During this time of the tournament we remember AKA and Ricky Rick, who played the first two editions of this beautiful game. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
The late hip hop stars, AKA and Ricky Rick, played in the first installments of the tournament.
Mpungose, who won the song of the year title from Ukhozi FM, said the competition this year will take place on July 21 at Tsakane Stadium in Johannesburg’s East Rand.
“Maskandi FC, led by me, will first play against Hip-Hop FC, captained by Big Zulu. This will be followed by Gqom and Gospel, captained by Dj Tira and Dumi Mkokstad, respectively.
Broadcast live on SABC 1
“After that, the two teams from the knock-out will meet at the final that will commence at 3pm. It will be broadcast live by SABC 1,” said Mpungose.
He further implored Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the newly appointed minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie to support their tournament.
“I am sure the premier needs a break after working tirelessly to form the government of provincial unity. He can bring his executive and enjoy the entertainment-filled celebrity soccer games.
Premier, new sports minister ‘invited’
“We would like to have an audience with you on this noble initiative. [It] has given musicians hope where despair has been prevalent. Maybe the [Sports minister] can play in one of the games,” said Mpungose.
Meanwhile, Dumi Mkokstad, real name Mdumiseni Nzimande, declared himself the game champion. This in spite of his smaller stature compared to his rivals.
“Let us meet in Tsakane stadium, I will see them in the tunnels,” he wrote.
