It is all systems go for the first four-team football tournament, dubbed the Mangaung Challenge, taking place in Bloemfontein tomorrow. Representatives of the participating clubs – Jwaneng Galaxy, Bantu FC, D’ General and Mangaung Unite – graced the launch and unveiling of the floating trophy held in the Mahube Tumelo Projects Hall in Bloemfontein today.
Galaxy is the Botswana Premier League champion; Bantu is the Lesotho Premier League champion; and Unite and D’ General campaign in the second-tier rank, the Free State’s ABC Motsepe League, and have a strong fan-based in Mangaung region.
Galaxy arrived in Bloemfontein on Wednesday to prepare for the showdown, while Lesotho’s Bantu arrived earlier today. Both Galaxy and Bantu have vowed the trophy will cross the border, while Unite and D’ General vowed the trophy will remain on South African soil.
“The concept for the tournament was promoted by demand and football fans craving entertainment following the demise of Bloemfontein Celtic. We are saw a need to fill the void and tap this opportunity as Mangaung Unite to grow football and provide hope to the people of Mangaung,” said Katlego Mokhele, chief executive officer of Unite.
He said the tri-nations tournament also aimed at recognising the contribution made by Mangaung Unite’s woman managing director and that of the Mahube Tumelo Projects entity, Sinki Leshabane.
“She continues contributing towards the socio-economy in Bloemfontein, through football and business,” said Mokgele.
“Expenses to organise the tournament has already reached R1 million, in terms of traveling costs for the clubs from Lesotho and Botswana – covering catering, safety and security,” said Leshabane.
“The biggest reward for me would be to see the tournament grow, while hoping to sustain the tournament in becoming an annual event – depending on support of the locals. It is an opportunity for us to thrive.”
Gates will open at 07:00, with the first match between Galaxy and D’ General starting at 09:00. The second fixture, between Unite and Bantu, starts at 11:00. Tickets are selling on compticket.com at R20 for a seat in the open stand and R40 for a seat in the grand stand.
