The LGBTI Legacy Games shut down day two on Sunday, 9 October 2022, with amazing goals and lots of entertaining football. The games officially are hosted by the Phuti Lekoloane Foundation in partnership with the City of Johannesburg’s Sport and Recreation. Skepe Nketole and Iscathulo sika Madam battled head to head in the last game of the day, with Iscathulo raising their stiletto with goals aplenty and closing the day as the champions.
Mayibuye Sports Ground in Midrand came alive as residents opposed to homophobia supported the games.
Phuti Lekoloane, the founder of the Phuti Lekoloane Foundation, and footballer by the name ‘Phuti Minaj’ launched the LGBTI Legacy Games two years ago. Every year, the games have since been hosted at Mayibuye Township, Ward 110, in Johannesburg Region A.
“We plan to use this platform to educate and inform people about inclusion and equality, we want people to understand that football has no limits and that it should be a game for everyone,” said Lekoloane.
The foundation aims to combat homophobia and transphobia in sports while also removing some of the barriers that LGBTI young people face.
“Watching the players on the dusty grounds of Mayibuye was truly inspiring. It conveys the message that sexual orientation does not prevent one from becoming what they want to be. At the end of the day, it all comes down to applying oneself in whatever you’re doing,” said Patrick Maponya, a member of the local community.
“The LGBTI Legacy Games are also intended to entertain, provide opportunities for self-expression, camaraderie, and friendship, while teaching values and discipline, and has the potential to touch the lives of all those participating, irrespective of their sexual orientation, language, social status, geographic location, or cultural differences,” said Mandla Mahlangu, the Assistant Director for Sport and Recreation in Region A.
The tournament ends on 31 October 2022. Residents are encouraged to come watch at Mayibuye Sports Ground.
Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi
10/10/2022