Rough diamonds in the form of raw talent from across Mogale City wards were put on the refinement stage called the Mayor’s Cup. The 2023 Mayor’s Cup was launched on Wednesday, 4 October 2023, coinciding with a public draw attended by participating teams and cup role-players.
The tournament kicked off this past weekend and saw young and old soccer enthusiasts converging at various identified sports complexes and stadia for the three-week long event to be held from 7 to 29 October 2023. Catering for 16 under 13 boys’ soccer teams, 16 master’s soccer teams, 8 ladies’ soccer teams, and 32 seniors’ teams, the tournament is a major sport development instrument in Mogale City. Beyond it unearthing diamonds from townships and rural spaces and elevating them to better sports stages, the cup aims to develop local sports, encourage a healthy lifestyle amongst youth and adults, drive social cohesion and get our youth off the streets.
The past weekend’s highlights saw Munsieville-based The Good, the Bad and the Ugly beating Drift Aces by 11-goals to nil, in the opening games of the Masters held at the Swannieville Sports Complex. While at Kagiso Stadium, Ratanang Masters saw off Kagiso Extension 12 Maters 2- 0.
In encouraging locals to attend and enjoy these games, it should be noted that the tournament will also be played on weekdays at Kagiso Stadium. Whilst the winners will receive cash prizes, trophies and medals, all players are eager to showcase their talent to attract talent scouts for greener pastures.
The 2023 Mayor’s Cup is the first soccer tournament Councillor Thupane has hosted since the birth of Government of Local Unity, comprising of ANC, EFF and ATM.