Young footballers and local teams in Orange Farm are set to benefit from a partnership aimed at recognising their efforts, rewarding talent and strengthening grassroots football. The Solly Mkhabela Foundation has committed to sponsoring the Orange Farm Local Football Association (OFLFA) Super League for four years, with support that will include medals, trophies, jerseys, caps and prize money.
The commitment was announced during a media briefing held at the Orange Farm Multipurpose Hall on Thursday, 29 October 2026. The gathering brought together football representatives, government stakeholders, community organisations and members of the media.
Addressing attendees, Solly Mkhabela explained that the sponsorship came after the football association approached him with a proposal highlighting the challenges faced by local teams, particularly the lack of prizes and recognition for players after a lengthy season.
He said the Super League involves 16 teams, including boys’ and girls’ teams, competing over a nine-month period. However, the association had raised concerns that players could complete the entire tournament without receiving medals, trophies or other rewards. Mkhabela used a comparison with pregnancy to emphasise the length of the competition and the importance of recognising players’ dedication.
“Nine months is very much important because it takes nine months for a woman to bear a child and bring a soul into the world. Nine months is too long, ladies and gentlemen,” he said.
He questioned how a player could spend nine months competing, return home as a champion and have nothing tangible to show for the achievement.
“For a child to play for nine months and tell the parents that, yes, I’m a champion, getting home, I’m a champion, without even a medal,” he said.
Mkhabela added that even a medal could serve as an important source of motivation for a young player, encouraging them to continue participating in sport and striving for greater achievements. The foundation’s sponsorship will cover prizes for winning teams, including medals, trophies, jerseys, caps and prize money. Individual awards, such as best player and best goalkeeper of the tournament, will also form part of the recognition.
Mkhabela confirmed that the foundation intends to maintain its support for four years, saying the commitment was designed to provide continuity throughout the association’s leadership and tournament cycle. He also acknowledged the financial sacrifices made by local team owners and chairpersons, who often use their personal resources to keep their clubs running and ensure players can participate in competitions.
He called for unity among football stakeholders, cautioning against divisions and disputes that could undermine the progress of the local league. Women’s football was another important issue raised during his address. Mkhabela expressed his desire to see greater participation by women and encouraged efforts to recruit more female players into the sport.
The briefing was attended by Johannesburg Football Association president Mr Phil Mogodi, Ward 5 councillor Mr Mxolisi and Mr James Shabangu. Organisations represented included the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, LoveLife, Batsogile Community Organisation and the Orange Farm Sports Council.
In a message following the event, OFLFA secretary, Patrick Mokwena, expressed gratitude to the foundation for its commitment to supporting local football and investing in the development of the community.
Mokwena described the partnership as an important step towards creating opportunities for players, strengthening the league and building a positive sporting environment for young people. He also thanked the stakeholders, partners, football representatives, community leaders and media who attended the briefing, highlighting the importance of collaboration in developing the sport.
OFLFA reaffirmed its commitment to working with the foundation and its partners to ensure the sponsorship delivers meaningful and lasting benefits. The four-year partnership is expected to bring additional support and recognition to local football, while giving players and teams in Orange Farm more reasons to celebrate their achievements on and off the field.
