10 Jul 2024

Four teams will slug it out in the inaugural Tumisang Orebonye Charity Cup at the Eastern Birds Grounds in Lecheng from July 13 to 14. 

A draw, which was conducted during the charity cup launch in Gaborone on Tuesday, pitted Mhalapitsa XI against Lecheng XI in the first game while Palapye XI and Malaka XI will face off in the second game. 

Losers’ final and the final will then be played on the second day.

The organising committee chairperson, Bokamoso Mmapadi said the main objective of the tournament was to address societal ills such as drug abuse, mental health and youth unemployment among others.

“These issues are equally a concern in Lecheng as they are nationally, so we decided to use football to help address them,” he said. 

He said they had also decided to engage Orebonye as he was an icon in the area.

Mmapadi said the tournament also aimed to help unearth talent that was abundant in the area, hence they invited premier and first division league teams and scouts.

The tournament’s proceeds beneficiaries, he said would be Lecheng junior school, whose students were in dire need of basic items such as sanitary pads and school uniforms.

“We are happy that so far, apart from monetary pledges, some sponsors have also pledged sanitary pads, school shoes and socks and this is in line with the objectives of the tournament,” he said.

Local football legend, Dipsy Selolwane applauded the move by Orebonye to give back to the community, a move he said indicated one’s character.

“Whatever level of success one achieves in life, they should never forget where they come from, it is a character that all should emulate, to remember to water their roots,” he said.

Selolwane also urged Samaritans to give without expecting back accolades, which he said would be genuine and a good way of building the country.

He also urged footballers to support each other in noble causes rather than compete. 

“It is a good thing that you are doing something noble while you are still active on the field,” he said.

For his part, Orebonye said it had been his dream to start a charity cup and help the less privileged.

“I am glad it came to pass. The plan is that as soon as next year, the tournament should be a part of a bigger foundation that will extend its help countrywide. So we are starting small now with the hope to grow,” he said.

Orebonye said the two-day tournament would also include other stakeholders like health and law enforcement.

Tournament partner, Salim Kegodile also applauded Orebonye for remembering his past, adding that it was vital and imperative to assist him in his noble cause.

“We have identified about 20 families that we will help with food vouchers during the tournament,” he said. ENDS