The Edgar Legoale Foundation, in partnership with the Free State Department of Education’s Fezile Dabi District, is taking a bold step to empower young people through soccer. With the launch of the Edgar Legoale Soccer Schools Programme (ELSSP) and the Tumahole High Schools Soccer Tournament, the foundation aims to revive school soccer, promote discipline and combat drug abuse among learners. These initiatives officially kick off on Saturday, 29 March 2025, at Phehellang Secondary School Hall in Tumahole, Parys, setting the stage for the 2025 Edgar Legoale Knockout Easter Soccer Tournament.
The ELSSP is more than just a sports initiative—it’s a movement designed to uplift and empower young people by fostering a love for soccer, instilling discipline and providing a safe, structured sporting environment. “Our goal is to create an environment where young people can thrive, make better life choices, and develop skills that extend beyond the soccer field,” says Foundation Manager Nthabiseng Molejane.
The programme’s theme, “KEEPING YOUTH FOCUSED, ONE GOAL AT A TIME,” reflects this commitment to empowering learners and giving them a sense of purpose and direction.
The Tumahole High Schools Soccer Tournament, which follows the ELSSP launch on 12 April 2025, is set to bring together six local schools—Phehellang Secondary, Boitlamo Secondary, Yakhisizwe Secondary, Weiveld Agriculture and Hotel School, Schonkenville Intermediate and Barnard Molokoane Comprehensive—in a showcase of skill, teamwork and community engagement.
Beyond competition, this tournament serves as a vital intervention against drug abuse. “We need to reach learners at a school-going age—before harmful behaviors take root,” says Molejane.
Now in its seventh year, the Edgar Legoale Knockout Easter Soccer Tournament (18-21 April) at Mandela Sports Ground in Parys-Tumahole continues to make a difference in the Free State. It has become a major event, bringing together 16 teams competing for a R65,000 prize pool, with R50,000 for the champions, R10,000 for the runner-up and R5,000 for third place.
With the theme “SAY NO TO DRUGS, YES TO GOALS!”, this year’s tournament emphasizes the role of sport in combating drug use. “As Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, I believe in the power of sport to change lives. We are raising athletes, leaders and ambassadors for change—one goal at a time,” says Edgar Legoale.
The ELSSP and its tournaments come at a crucial time. South Africa faces a youth drug crisis, with substances like nyaope and crystal meth destroying communities. Rural areas like Tumahole are particularly vulnerable due to limited opportunities for youth. The Edgar Legoale Foundation is tackling this issue head-on, using soccer as a catalyst for change.
The winning teams will lead community drug awareness campaigns, ensuring that the tournament’s impact extends beyond the soccer field. Through partnerships with Free State Care in Action, SAPS and local schools, the foundation is creating a united front against drug abuse.
The launch event at Phehellang Secondary School, a school known for its excellent matric results, reflects the programme’s focus on excellence, ambition and opportunity.
Looking ahead, the Edgar Legoale Soccer Schools Programme is set to expand beyond Tumahole, with plans to:
- Host coaching workshops and mentorship sessions with former professional players.
- Introduce more leagues and tournaments, sustaining engagement and interest in the sport.
- Create scholarship and scouting opportunities for outstanding young players.
Through these initiatives, the Edgar Legoale Foundation is not just reviving school soccer—it’s building a brighter future for Free State’s youth, ensuring that they stay focused, disciplined and inspired to achieve their goals.
