After successfully graduating from the KwaMahlobo Games more than 10 years ago, Reneilwe Letsholonyane believes the popular tournament continues to be a breeding ground for talent.
“Yeye” as the midfielder is affectionately known, is one of the thousands of rough diamonds that were unearthed at the country’s biggest festive season tournament, which is set to kick off on Thursday, 19 December at the KwaMahlobo Grounds in Meadowlands, Soweto.
A total of 40 clubs from across the country will battle it out in the 23rd edition of the tournament which is proudly sponsored by LaLiga for the fourth consecutive year. Twenty-three years later, the Bafana Bafana veteran believes more talent will be unearthed this season with the tournament growing in stature thanks to the involvement of LaLiga.
“I consider the KwaMahlobo Games very fertile ground for talent identification. A number of my PSL peers played in this competition as youngsters and the competition continues to unearth raw talent. Outside of talent identification, these games have become a source of entertainment for a number of people in the township who are unable to afford a holiday away” said Letsholonyane.
The Highlands Park midfielder’s sentiments were echoed by tournament co-founder and director, Patrick Ntenjwa who remembers seeing Letsholonyane for the first time playing for former champions, Braamfischer Eagles back in 2000.
“Having Reneilwe as our ambassadors goes to show how much value the KwaMahlobo Games have added to South African football. Just like him, a number of professional footballers started their careers here and it gives us great honour to be playing such a role. With the involvement of LaLiga, the standard of the tournament has gone even higher and we are looking forward to the kick off on Thursday” said an elated Ntenjwa.
The KwaMahlobo Games will run over the festive season and conclude on Sunday, 5 January 2020 with a R120 000 prize money at stake for the winners.
Opening Weekend Fixtures:
Thursday, 19 December 2019
| TEAMS | V/S | TEAMS | GROUP | TIME | |
| 1 | Meadowlands Juventus | v/s | Amajananda | A1 V A2 | 08:00 |
| 2 | Teede Wariors | v/s | Mangalani Aces | B1 V B2 | 09:20 |
| 3 | B.K.M | v/s | Braamfischer Tsalanang | C1 V C2 | 10:40 |
| 4 | Naledi Juventus | v/s | CSKA Moscow | D1 V D2 | 12:00 |
| 5 | Mathole Gunners | v/s | Hungry Stars | E1 V E2 | 13:20 |
| 6 | River Park | v/s | Makhatlala | F1 V F2 | 14:00 |
| 7 | Umsenko | v/s | Protea Amagents | G1 V G2 | 16:00 |
Friday, 20 December 2019
| TEAMS | V/S | TEAMS | GROUP | TIME | |
| 1 | Meadowlands Academy | v/s | Meadowlands Harmony | A3 V A4 | 08:00 |
| 2 | B.H Stars | v/s | Snakepark Chillas | B3 V B4 | 09:20 |
| 3 | Ngwato All Stars | v/s | Looky Land | C3 V C4 | 10:40 |
| 4 | Izinja Ze Game | v/s | Simba | D3 V D4 | 12:00 |
| 5 | Lyon | v/s | Meadowlands Black Rangers | E3 V E4 | 13:20 |
| 6 | Soweto Super United | v/s | Shake Every Day | F3 V F4 | 14:00 |
| 7 | Sour Eleven | v/s | Busisiwe | G3 V G4 | 16:00 |
Saturday, 21 December 2019
| Match | TEAMS | V/S | TEAMS | GROUP | TIME |
| 1 | Mathaithai FC | v/s | Chipolopolo FC | H1 V H5 | 08:00 |
| 2 | Umsenko FC | v/s | Boys United | G1 V G5 | 09:20 |
| 3 | Mathole Gunners | v/s | Braamfischer Eagles | E1 V E5 | 12:00 |
| 4 | Naledi Juventus | v/s | Meadowlands Rangers | D1 V D5 | 13:20 |
| 5 | B.K.M | v/s | T P Styles FC | C1 V C5 | 14:00 |
| 6 | T.D Warriors | v/s | Meadowlands Professionals | B1 V B5 | 16:00 |
PIC 1 sourced from sports club magazine.
