The whistles blew, supporters cheered and eight teams of gogos battled it out for top honours as Mandela Day celebrations turned competitive in Orange Farm.
More than 800 players, spectators and supporters packed the AMSAI Primary School playground in Drieziek 1 for the Senior Citizens Tournament hosted by Amanda Marga of South Africa.
The tournament brought sport, laughter and community spirit together as senior citizens showed that age was no barrier to teamwork, fitness and fierce competition.
Siqualo Gogos delivered a winning performance to lift the championship trophy, earning winter jerseys and medals. Madiba Gogos finished as runners-up after a determined showing and were also rewarded with jerseys and medals.
Siqualo Gogos star Elizabeth Ntombenkulu Tshabangu was named Player of the Tournament, while Julia Ramalamule of Umthambu Wolwazi CKC claimed the Player of the Match award.
The event formed part of the 67 Minutes for Mandela campaign and placed senior citizens at the centre of the celebration.
“Our gogos are the heart of our communities. Today we celebrated them,” Amanda Marga said.
The celebrations continued beyond the playing field, with supporters, players and spectators receiving food, fruit, sweets, bottled water and body lotion.
Organisers acknowledged the donors and community partners who contributed towards the success of the initiative. Last year, Anil Patel Fish and Chips at Eyethu Mall donated R1 100 to the winning team, while Lawyers of Abuse provided ladies’ bags and snacks. The AUM Centre in Winchester Hills contributed fruit and caps.
This year, the AUM Centre supported the tournament with winter jerseys and fruit, while Libra Sports donated the trophy and a ball.
Amanda Marga thanked the teams, volunteers, community leaders, donors and sponsors who helped turn the tournament into a memorable celebration of dignity, active living and unity.
The organisation is now preparing for its next community event on Heritage Day, which will feature a traditional dance and song competition, with prizes for the top performers.
