Legends Golf Day a huge success
THE much-anticipated MetroWired Legends Golf Day held at the Bryanston Country Club yesterday was a huge success, with several footballers, coaches and prominent businesspeople from various sectors gracing the event.
President of the South African Football Association (Safa), Danny Jordaan, hit the first tee shot of the day.
The 96 Legends Golf Day is one of the many celebratory events that will be held around the country as part of honouring our 1996 heroes who lifted South Africa’s only Africa Cup of Nations title.
“This was planned about a year ago to mark the 25th year of winning the trophy, but due to Covid, we were unable to celebrate this last year,” said Jordaan.
“We are really delighted that the day has finally come and we are able to celebrate this important milestone. It is also great to see all the 96 Legends present here and many former players being part of this auspicious event.
“It is also interesting to note that the legends have done this themselves and as Safa we are fully behind this initiative. A big thank you to MetroWired for embracing this event: a clear indication that without sponsorship, we can go nowhere in sport.”
Some of the legends who came out to play included Afcon-winning captain Neil Tovey, who also captained the squad of legends; midfielder Doctor Khumalo, defenders Mark Fish and Eddie ‘Magents’ Motale, striker Mark Williams and goalkeeper Andre Arendse.
“I am close to tears seeing this wonderful initiative come to fruition. For so long we have wanted to see this taking off, and finally we have done it.
“I am greatly pleased to see the many players gathered here to celebrate this day with us. It is such events that bring us together and to reminisce about yesteryear,” said Tovey.
“It was an awesome day when we lifted the 1996 trophy, and I can tell you without any reservations that to have so many people join us today brings back memories of that day. Our greatest gratitude goes to MetroWired as we would not have pulled it off without them.”
The course had a mix of different generations of Bafana Bafana players – Marks Maponyane, Brendon Augustine, Jimmy Tau, Aaron Mokoena and Fabian McCarthy – coaches Dylan Kerr (Swallows FC) and Gavin Hunt. Also present was Safa Chief Operations Officer Lydia Monyepao.
“When we were approached to be part of this event, it was a no-brainer for us to come on board. After all, this is a celebration of one of the greatest, if not the greatest, achievements on the South African football calendar and we are delighted to be here and enjoy day with our legends.
“Thanks to this magnificent group for allowing them to partner with us,” said Musa Nkosi, CEO of Metrowired.
On the sidelines of the golf day, Khumalo conducted football coaching clinics, assisted by former Bafana Bafana players MacBeth Sibaya and Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
The event took place at the nearby St Stithians College, attended by boys and girls who are in the first teams from the institution and others from the Shoes Of Wisdom Foundation, based in Soweto.
While the clinics are aimed at helping the school prepare for the upcoming Easter Festival, they also offer a chance for all the young ones to learn from their experienced heroes.
After playing golf, the participants gathered to watch the friendly match between Bafana Bafana and France.