The third instalment of the Mangosuthu Legacy Cup was launched in Durban on Wednesday and it promises to be a nail-biting affair.
The football tournament, which has become a signature event for the Zululand district, will be held at Prince Mangosuthu Regional Stadium in Ulundi on July 29.
Among the football outfits that will battle it out for the title include AmaZulu FC, Royal AM, Richards Bay, and Mbabane Swallows which campaigns in the Swazi MTN Premier Division.
For the first time this year, Kaizer Chiefs football legends will also descend on the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, where they will be expected to take on MC Tshatha 11 inspired by uKhozi FM presenter Tshathugodo Ngobe.
Brian Baloyi, who spoke on behalf of Amakhosi legends, said he is thrilled to be part of the pre-season tournament.
“For us it will be about showing the young and upcoming players the importance of being disciplined as a professional football player,” Baloyi said.
“But we are also giving back to the community, and this will also give an opportunity for people in the remote areas to reconnect with their yesteryear football heroes.”
Among the football greats expected to be on Amakhosi starting 11 are Baloyi himself, Derrick Spencer, Jabu Mahlangu, Doctor Khumalo, and Cyril Nzama, among others.
Former SuperSport United left-footed dribbling wizard Tony Tsabedze will hold it on for Umkhonto kaShaka, a nickname given to Mbabane Swallows.
Zululand district mayor Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the games were conceptualised to honour the role that the IFP founder played for the nation.
“As a tribute to this great man and the great leader of our people who has spent his entire life among the poorest of the poor, we asked in what way can we pay tribute to the legacy of Prince Mangosuthu,” the mayor said.
“Two things that stood out was his passion about the youth and the second aspect is that he has been a proponent of social cohesion. We [the municipality] said there was no other way than through football.”
The 94-year-old did not attend the launch but his elder son, Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, spoke on his behalf.
Usuthu emerged as the overall winner in 2022, thumping Richards Bay United on penalties.
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