This December, Parys is set to come alive with passion, pride, and purpose! The 2025 Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament is returning from 13–21 December 2025 at Mandela Sports Ground in Tumahole — right next to Boitlamo Secondary School.
Now in its seventh year, this is not just football. It’s a movement. The tournament fuses kasi soccer vibes with a strong message against gender-based violence under the theme “Kick GBV Out of Kasi.”
Kasi Football Meets Social Change
Expect 32 teams, free registration, and a massive R100 000 prize pool:
R80 000 for winners
R15 000 for runners-up
R5 000 for third place
The tournament promises festive-season energy with packed stands, township pride, and live coverage across Central News digital platforms, community radio, and local content creators.
And here’s the kicker — local vendors trade for free! Small food, clothing, and craft businesses can earn festive-season income without paying a cent, while corporates get affordable brand placement opportunities.
“Kick GBV Out of Kasi”: Turning the Field Into a Platform for Change
This year’s theme goes beyond awareness. Each participating team will take part in anti-GBV education sessions — and after the final whistle, the winning team must lead a GBV awareness campaign in their own community.
It’s football for a purpose.
The stats remain grim: nearly one-third of South African women experience physical violence in their lifetime, and close to one in ten report sexual violence. In just three months last year, over 12 000 sexual offences were reported, with nearly 1 000 women murdered.
That’s why this initiative matters. The Foundation wants to spark real talk, challenge toxic masculinity, and mobilise men and boys as allies — connecting fans to local GBV support services right at the stadium.
Youth Development: Building Future Stars
Off the pitch, the Edgar Legoale Foundation is launching a Youth Soccer Development Programme to give kasi teams a fair shot at success.
Highlights include:
Equipment grants for under-resourced teams
Coaching clinics on skills, fitness, and player welfare
Talent exposure with scouts from professional clubs invited to attend
For many young players, this tournament could be their first step toward a pro career.
“The People’s Tournament”
Keeping things true to community spirit, team entry is completely free. That means more opportunities for players, and more action for fans. The event is intentionally designed to uplift the township economy while giving local traders a chance to shine.
From the Founder: Edgar Legoale Speaks
Edgar Legoale, Chairman of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, says:
“As we celebrate seven years of the Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament, I can’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come in turning a simple love for the game into a force for good in our communities. This event started as a way to showcase raw kasi talent and give young lads a shot at the big leagues, but it’s grown into so much more – a rallying cry against the injustices that plague our society, especially gender-based violence.”
“Seeing scouts from pro teams spotting gems in our players fills me with pride, and now, with our new youth development programme handing out equipment to under-resourced sides, we’re ensuring no talent gets left behind.”
“What motivates me most is the real impact we make on the ground. In a country where stats show over a third of women facing violence, and with rising cases right here in the Free State, we can’t just sit back. This tournament is our way of kicking GBV out of our kasis – through fun, football, and frank discussions that empower everyone to step up.”
“I’m passionate about creating opportunities that go beyond the pitch. Our festive and Easter tournaments have become staples, drawing crowds of over 10,000 and putting Parys on the map. But we need partners to take it to the next level – sponsors who see the value in investing in youth, sport, and social justice.”
“Finally, to our communities in Tumahole and beyond: Come out in numbers, support your teams, and let’s make this festive season one of unity and action. Together, we can score big for a better future.”
Event Details
Venue: Mandela Sports Ground, Tumahole (next to Boitlamo Secondary School), Parys, Free State
Dates: 13–21 December 2025
Teams: 32 (free affiliation)
Prizes: R100 000 total — R80 000 (1st), R15 000 (2nd), R5 000 (3rd)
Theme: “Kick GBV Out of Kasi”
Traders: Free stalls for local entrepreneurs; affordable options for corporates
Broadcast: Livestream on Central News platforms + community radio coverage
How to Register
Teams must send a brief profile, pictures, and motivation for entry to the tournament management team.
Tournament Manager: DJ Pots — 078 466 2089 | soccer@edgarlegoale.com
Assistant Manager: Blessing Maphisa — +27 76 649 1472 (WhatsApp) | +27 67 303 8688 (call)
Foundation Manager / Media: Nthabiseng Molejane — 082 287 2290 (WhatsApp/call) | nthabiseng@edgarlegoale.com
FOMO Take: Kasi football is more than sport — it’s culture, pride, and activism rolled into one. The Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament proves that when youth lead the charge, change isn’t just possible — it’s already in motion.
