on the 30th of November, Villa Lisa was buzzing with excitement as the Buildusworld Under-17 Top-8 Football Tournament brought the community together. The event was more than just football—it was a celebration of youth talent, culture, and unity. Organised to empower young people and tackle social issues like substance abuse and crime, the tournament gave players, artists, and spectators a chance to shine.
The idea came from the Buildusworld organisation, supported by the Amandebele Kingdom and other partners. Their goal was to give Villa Lisa’s youth a platform to show their talents, build confidence, and believe in themselves. They wanted to prove that sports, arts, and culture can help young people avoid negative influences and open doors to better opportunities.
“Sports and culture can help fight the challenges our youth face and even create jobs,” said one of the organisers.
Although government support was lacking, the community stepped up. Buildusworld provided much-needed help, the EFF donated trophies, medals, and soccer balls, and the Amandebele Kingdom, led by Ndabezitha S.S. Mahlangu, offered guidance. Even the field had to be cleaned and leveled with a tractor to make it playable.
Eight teams took part: Amabubezi FC, Young Ballers F.A., Revolution Spurs F.C., F.C. Villa, Real Vultures, Ama Two K, The Citizens, and Mojo City. The competition was tough, with every team giving their all. In the end, Revolution Spurs were crowned champions, taking home a trophy, gold medals, new kits, and R3,200 in prize money.
Prince Malinga, coach of Amabubezi FC, praised the event. “It was well organised and motivating for the young players, especially with individual awards like Player of the Tournament and Goalkeeper of the Tournament. We’d love to see more tournaments like this, maybe every three months.”
Revolution Spurs also applauded the effort but suggested improvements in officiating. “The tournament was competitive and fair, but some officials weren’t ready for such a big event. Still, the final was well-handled by Sera Boy de Glory,” said one of their representatives.
The tournament wasn’t just about soccer. The whole community came together, from kids to elders, to enjoy the day. Local entertainers, including Sera Boy de Glory, kept the crowd dancing during breaks with music and performances. Commentators added to the excitement, giving detailed insights into the players’ skills and keeping the audience engaged.
The success of this tournament shows how much can be achieved when a community comes together. However, the organisers called for more support from the government and local businesses to make future events even better. “We are committed to making a difference,” said one of the organisers. “With the right support, we can create more opportunities for our youth.”
The Buildusworld Under-17 Top-8 Tournament was a shining example of hope and determination. It inspired the youth, boosted the community’s morale, and proved that Villa Lisa has what it takes to rise above its challenges. As the tournament ends, the community is already looking forward to the next one—and a brighter future for all.
By Ncamiso Dlamini
