Mandela Day Soccer Unites Communities in 67-Minute Match
From left: Lt Kutlwano Kelehetswe, Alpha FC Odn Infantry School FC Junior Team Coach, Dario Urbanski of Lategansvlei and 1FC Union Lategansvlei Coach and Manager, Col Tiisetso Sekgobela Officer Commanding Infantry School, Maj Desiree Mawela Chairperson Infantry School FC and Infantry School Legal Officer and Maj Jan Donovan Maya in charge of Department Research, Design and Development at Infantry school. Photo: Louise Mouton
1/08/2025
The second annual Mandela Day Soccer Celebration took place at the Oudtshoorn Infantry School, featuring a symbolic 67-minute match between Superstrikers FC and OLFA Dysselsdorp FC. This commemorative match honoured the 67 years Nelson Mandela dedicated to the pursuit of social justice.
“This match was more than just a game,” said Major Desiree Mawela, “It was our contribution to honor Tata Madiba while creating a space where young people could come together, meet new friends, enjoy the game, and strengthen bonds with their teams, families, and coaches.”
The event brought together junior soccer players and their communities from Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Lategansvlei, and Beaufort West, highlighting the importance of youth development and community engagement through sport.
As the local soccer community looks forward to the upcoming junior league season, the celebration served as both a unifying occasion and a platform to promote grassroots football.
Special thanks were extended to Colonel Tiisetso Sekgobela for supporting Alpha FC Oudtshoorn—based at the Infantry School—in hosting the day’s activities on the school’s sports grounds.
“This was more than just a soccer match, it was a celebration of Mandela’s legacy and the positive future we’re building through sport,” Mawela added. (Courtesy of Louise Mouton, Oudtshoorn Courant )