Soccer fanatics of all ages and skill levels in Sharpeville are in the thick of the action at the annual festive soccer tournament hosted by the Lukasi Parks Foundation. The tournament kicks off on the 7 December 2024 and the finals will be held on the 15 December 2024 at the James Soccer Ground in Sharpeville.
The Lukasi Parks Foundation is a registered, donor-dependent NPO/NPC based in Sharpeville in the Vaal, and with its founder, Luka Dlamini, known as “Lukastro”, at the helm, aims to address community challenges through a series of programmes and activities throughout the year. Dlamini says that the soccer tournament aims to reignite community pride and spirit while giving the country’s next top soccer stars their chance to shine.
“Schools in townships and underprivileged areas don’t have the same access to sports opportunities as young people in the rest of the country. We want to change that,” says Lukastro “We work with local football federation and team managers to make this happen, and ensure talent is recognised both among the players and the referees.”
With well-known football personalities, such as Orlando Pirates star player, Relebohile Mofokeng, being one of the event’s past young players, and Coach Augustine Makalakalane, the tournament has grown into a much-anticipated event for would-be career footballers in the community.
Renowned retired South African referee, Victor Hlungwani, will provide support as a referee scout for the tournament and sponsor individual u/9 prizes. Lukastro adds that Lukasi also hopes to have all coaches involved in the tournament obtain their coaching licences from FIFA in the future to further support the success of their players, a dream he says relies on the help of more sponsors.
“We want to see our children off the streets and on the pitch. When they are playing they aren’t exposed to drugs and alcohol. They have a chance at a better future, and supporting Lukasi Parks Foundation means supporting us in bringing this vision to life,” says Lukastro.
Scouts from IberCup – an international youth football organisation and sponsor of the event along with South Africa’s leading fibre network operator (FNO), Vuma – will also be in attendance, giving players a chance to demonstrate their talent and potentially pursue a career in the sport.
“At Vuma, we believe in connecting people from all walks of life to opportunities that inspire growth and transformation. Beyond fibre internet, we’re empowering communities with access to a world of possibilities that can change lives. Supporting the Lukasi Parks Foundation and this annual soccer tournament is about more than just the game, it’s about fostering unity, nurturing talent, and uplifting the Sharpville community. By investing in initiatives like these, we’re helping young players in the Vaal region dream bigger and reach for more,” says Nomachina Xapa, Vuma’s Regional Sales Manager for the Vaal Region.
“IberCup South Africa is passionate about discovering and developing young football talent. Our partnership with Vuma, allows us to provide talented young players the platform to not only showcase their talent but also give them the opportunity to get world-class training from professional coaches. We’re not just looking for talent on the pitch – we’re investing in the dreams of young players who have the potential to make an impact on the world stage,” says Jagger Bender, Head Coach at IberCup.
Championing change in Sharpeville
Lukasi Parks Foundation facilitates a series of community development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for people living in Sharpeville. From cleaning up parks that have become illegal “dumpsites”, making them safe enjoyable spaces for children and families again, to providing soccer kits, school shoes, meals and more to those in need, Lukasi Parks Foundation is a beacon of hope in the community.
“Communities in the Vaal are experiencing dire hunger, more so than townships in the rest of Gauteng. There are older people in the community left with grandchildren to care for who need to find ways to survive in tough conditions. Our only goal is to make sure they go to bed with full stomachs, and to try our best to provide better opportunities for the young people, who can then help uplift their families and communities,” says Dlamini.
To connect with Luka Dlamini and join the Friends of Lukasi Parks Foundation, contact lukasiparksfoundation@gmail.com for more information.
