Byline: Nonjabuiso Nhlambo
05 May 2025
Freedom Day is observed annually on 27 April and marks the occasion on which the nation commemorates the journey to freedom and democracy. “It is a day to reflect on the progress made in South Africa since 1994 and to continue striving for a better future for all citizens.”
In celebrating freedom day incorporated with sports against crime, on Monday, 28 April 2025, Bethal SAPS Men for Change and Women’s Network with Youth Crime Prevention Desk in partnership with the Department of Community Safety Security Liaison, Community Policing Forum, Thomas-Heights Ambassadors, and Business Against Crime hosted under 13 boys’ top 6 soccer tournament, which was graced by the presence of the Mpumalanga Provincial Men for Change Deputy Chairperson, Sergeant Thomas Mogadime, and Gert Sibande Men for Change Deputy Chairperson, Sergeant Linda Shabangu, with the aim to:
- Celebrate Freedom Day to reflect on progress made in South Africa since 1994.
- Raise awareness of crime prevention among the youth.
- Reduce the youth’s involvement in crime as perpetrators and/or as victims.
- Integrate youth structures in the fight against crime and gender-based violence.
The under-13 boys soccer teams in participation include:
- SSM Football Club
- Mzansi Killers Football Club
- Future Stars Football Club
- Umdeni Young Stars FC
- Winter Roses Football Club
- PSD Football Club
The first game commenced with SSM Football Club against Mzansi Killers Football Club, where Mzansi Killers defeated SSM FC with goals toe (1). Elsewhere, the other teams played as follows:
- Future Stars FC defeated Umdeni Young Stars FC with four(4) goals to two(2)
- Winter Roses FC was detected Five(5) goals to Nil by PSD FC.
Teams were given an opportunity to compete for semifinals and the two teams that proceeded to the finals were PSD FC and Mzansi Killers FC
During the finals, both teams scored three(3) goals, which they had to continue with penalties to determine the overall winning team, whereby they had twelve(12) opportunities to score goals, and PSD ended up winning by ten(10) goals to nine(9).
The winning team, PSD Football Club under 13, was awarded a soccer kit as the champions.
The following pamphlets were distributed during the tournament to all attendees.
- 150 x School Holidays Safety Tips
- 150 x No waiting period to report missing persons
- 150 x Anti-bullying
Sergeant Thomas Mogadime, the Mpumalanga Provincial Men For Change Deputy Chairperson also holding a chairperson position for Men For Change in the Gert Sibande District, thanked all the teams with their managers for the participation as well as the parents for supporting their children during the tournament.
