Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star Teboho Mokoena has confirmed the return of his annual schools’ tournament, which will be played at the Bohlokong Stadium in Bethlehem, Free State, on Saturday.
The mission and vision of his youth-based initiative are to empower the youth in Bethlehem – his hometown – through sports and education under the Teboho Mokoena Foundation.
This year’s edition is set to feature eight local schools from Bohlokong. They will compete in the U16 soccer matches and participate in various enrichment activities.
The first match will start at 9am.
Speaking to Sunday World on Wednesday, Mokoena revealed that two prominent clubs have already signed four players through his tournament.
“The main reason behind the tournament is to provide an opportunity for young boys in my community and help them realise their football dreams. They will be exposed to different scouts who will be there to look for talent,” Mokoena said.
“For example, four players managed to get teams through this tournament last year. Three of them went to Harmony Academy, while one was signed by Sundowns in the U17s.
He continued: “So, these are the types of things I pride myself on … giving back to the community because these boys are now able to get opportunities that we did not get when we were younger. I know how difficult it is to get opportunities where we come from.”
Teammates offer support
Mokoena also confirmed that Sundowns teammates Themba Zwane and Grant Kekana, among others, will be in attendance on Saturday to support his foundation.
“Such initiatives are crucial because we get to connect with our people at that level. Nothing brings hope to these kids like the efforts we embark on through the foundation.
“As we all know, our communities are battling crime issues, and there is just a lot of depression among our youth.
“So, it is important for us as professional players to give back to our communities and just contribute to changing people’s lives,” he added.
These games aside, Mokoena and his teammates will swiftly shift their attention to club responsibilities in preparation for the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup.
Masandwana are been drawn in a tricky Group F against Borussia Dortmund from Germany, South Korean champions Ulsan FC, and Brazilian giants Fluminense FC.
The reigning Betway Premiership champions will open their Club World Cup campaign against Ulsan on June 18 at the 25 000-seat Inter & Co Stadium in downtown Orlando, USA.
