Gloves are off between the founder of the Edgar Legoale Foundation (ELF), Edgar Legoale and Young Pirates over the issue related to the Easter Knockout Soccer Challenge that was held last month (April).
Young Pirates, affectionately known as Konka Boys, made damning claims that the foundation, which is an NGO dedicated to the upliftment of vulnerable communities in South Africa, had banned the club from participating in its tournaments.
The soccer team from Gauteng was sent packing by the foundation after it had made allegations on social media that the foundation was a scam.
Disparaging social media remarks
It was banned after it had made disparaging claims that it was told to walk the plank. The club had also alleged that Legoale rallied the crowd to enter the field of play during the penalty shootout in the final match of the competition in Tumahole, Parys, in the Free State.
“Prior to that, in the match itself, two legitimate goals were denied, which led to the final being a stalemate. We can categorically state that there was no money to pay the prizes. Which is why a narrative was created, and we were charged with misconduct. Which was not part of the rules.
“There’s not even a single rule which appeals or applies to social media on such an account. They played a chess game and succeeded in round one, yet we are not aggrieved,” said the club.
The club added: “We have, with a huge relief and smile, [seen] that finally scammers have just proven themselves beyond reasonable doubt that they just pushed a narrative that could not hold water.
Horrendous tactic
“We categorically like to state that we will not be taking any second prize money from them for simple reasons. In simple terms, there was never money to pay the teams. Hence, a horrendous tactic was employed.”
However, Legoale, a well-known entrepreneur in the Free State, told Sunday World that the foundation had even gone to the extent of appointing an independent mediator to resolve the impasse.
“We did not take this decision [of banning Young Pirates] lightly. It took us over two weeks of long discussions, internal reflections, and mediation efforts before arriving at it.
“When the situation escalated, our foundation manager, Ms Nthabiseng Molejane, appointed respected community leader Mr Bonnie Nzunga as an independent mediator to help the foundation engage peacefully and professionally with Young Pirates FC. We wanted to resolve things the right way, behind closed doors, with mutual respect.
“Unfortunately, even with our numerous attempts, the process and the outcome thereof were not as we had anticipated. Young Pirates FC showed no willingness to meet us halfway. They dismissed the process.
“In our possession, there is material in the form of recordings during the mediation meetings to substantiate this statement. In all honesty, the rules of the tournament are a fact known to everyone and find general application,” said Legoale.
Young Pirates shot back.
“The so-called mediation between us and them was to compel us to issue a public apology. To also admit to a wrong that we did not do. unfortunately, we are not desperate to such an extent that we will stoop so low to compromise our image and dignity. Especially over some petty cash that the organisers do not even possess. A decision was taken that we are not going to admit guilt on such a nonsensical event.
“They neglected to charge a team whose supporters went rowdy in the field of play. Simply because it was their plan to re-strategise in the name of protecting the so-called foundation name at our expense. It is unfortunate that we are not too cheap to succumb to such stunts,” said the club.
Young Pirates said that it was not going to be compelled by anyone to apologise for “nonsense” that it claimed was deliberately created by the foundation.
The team said that it was going to be engaged in a three-month campaign to destroy the reputation of the Edgar Legoale Foundation by all means possible.
Legoale stated that his foundation’s rules clearly state that teams should be responsible for their own players and fans’ behaviour.
Foundation’s stance
“Organisers have the right to expel or disqualify any team that does not promote the spirit of sports from the tournament. Any rule that is not included, it will be organisers who will have the final say. When a team participates in the Edgar Legoale Tournament, they carry not only their own name but also the image of our tournament. It is our brand, our sponsors, our partners, and everything we’ve built.
“You will never see teams in the PSL openly disrespecting the PSL on social media, even when they’re unhappy. They know the league must be protected. And that the prescribed rules must be observed,” said Legoale.
‘Stingy tournament’
Legoale detailed the Young Pirates’ first post on social media. “We are playing at Imali ayiphumi e Free State,” meaning that they were playing at the stingy tournament.
“The post didn’t mention our tournament by name, yes. But everyone knew they were referring to us. Their own followers started attacking the tournament in the comments. And that’s where the damage was done.
“Sponsors called us. Community members messaged us. People started questioning the integrity of our tournament. This isn’t just about pride. This is about the credibility of the tournament and the hard work of hundreds of people who made it happen.
Legoale said that over R250 000 was spent on logistics alone without the amount for the prizes.
