By Agreement Mabunda
LEPHEPANE – Local football pride soared as Golden Aces were crowned champions of the Lephepane Easter Tournament, lifting the trophy after a narrow 1-0 victory over Royal Celtic in the senior final, thanks to a decisive strike by Thabo Junior Ragedi.
The electrifying final took place on Sunday, April 20, at the Mapantsula Sports Ground in Lephepane village, Ga-Mogoboya.
The inaugural tournament, running from April 18 to 20, drew large crowds who were treated to three days of thrilling football filled with breathtaking goals, slick passes, crunching tackles, and local flair.
Eight local teams battled it out for the R10,000 grand prize in the senior division and R5,000 in the Under-15 category.
In the Under-15 division, Mogoboya Junior Chiefs edged past Khopho FC with a hard-fought 2-1 win to claim top honours.
The tournament was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Lephepane-born entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders, including the Seroto family, High Care, Maverick Coffee, Mitchwear, K Boneng Skills Academy, Moagi NP Solutions, and others.
Tournament organizer Mobe Majoro Mohale praised the effort, calling it a “symbol of hope and unity.”
“The impact of this tournament will linger long in the hearts of Lephepane residents. Our youth face many challenges, and to see successful individuals from our village giving back is powerful.
They walked the same streets, played on the same dusty fields—and now they’re lighting the way forward,” said Mohale.
He also extended special thanks to Ward Councillor Mr. Eric Ralepelle for his invaluable support.
The tournament also drew high-profile guests, including musician King Monada, Thobela FM drama actor and MC David Benson Molewa, entrepreneur Johnny Modiba, and many others, who came to show support and celebrate grassroots talent.
Senior Division Awards:
- Player of the Tournament: Thabo Ragedi (Golden Aces)
- Leading Goal Scorer: Brian Ramphadi (Longvalley)
- Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Mahlasa Kamogelo (Golden Aces)
- Coach of the Tournament: Mogale Seshoka (Golden Aces)
Senior Division Final Standings:
- Gold: Golden Aces
- Silver: Royal Celtic
- Bronze: Rovers
Under-15 Division Awards:
- Player of the Tournament: Ranta Maake (Mogoboya Junior Chiefs)
- Leading Goal Scorer: Richy (Golden Aces)
- Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Solly Tshabalala
- Coach of the Tournament: Titus Selane
Under-15 Final Standings:
- Gold: Mogoboya Junior Chiefs
- Silver: Khopho FC
- Bronze: Golden Aces
The success of the tournament has sparked renewed hope for local football development, with organizers and community members alike expressing a shared dream.
