By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Maluti-a-Phofung MMC for Sports, Arts and Culture Bridgett Lebesa says the municipality’s long-term plan to refurbish the iconic Charles Mopeli Stadium is aimed at developing homegrown talent and paving the way for a top-flight professional football club from the former homeland to compete in the Betway Premiership.
Lebesa said the upgraded stadium would serve as a hub for major village tournaments, creating a pathway for young players to be nurtured and scouted.
She was speaking on the touchlines during the final of the annual Bereya Soccer Tournament at Bereya Sports Ground in Thabong, a popular event that draws large crowds of supporters, villagers, business people, politicians and nationally celebrated footballers. The tournament is organised by business guru Elias Moekoa (76).
“We have resolved to refurbish Charles Mopeli Stadium so that major village tournaments like this one can be hosted there. We are also working tirelessly to bring back a Betway Premiership club to our district after the disappearance of Free State Stars.
Our goal is to build a strong football club from within our municipality to replace Free State Stars. Our people deserve their own club, with their own children proudly playing for it,” said Lebesa.
Moekoa said the tournament was more than a community give-back initiative or a showcase of football skills; it was also about reviving community spirit and pride, and proving that true success is measured by how much one gives back.
His dream, he added, is to see players exposed through the tournament progress to higher levels of the game, opening doors to elite competitions such as the Betway Premiership and even overseas leagues.
Dinare FC were crowned champions after edging Good Performers FC 2–1 in the final, walking away with R10 000 in prize money, a trophy and medals.
Moekoa believes there is a wealth of untapped talent in deep rural areas, much of which goes unnoticed because football authorities seldom visit these communities to scout players.
