By Noko Mashilo
A powerful tribute to a forgotten football pioneer is set to spark new hope for youth on the KZN South Coast. The Moffat Zuma Legacy Tournament, launched by event organiser Busani “MaWiser” Mpanza, seeks to honour the late Moffat Zuma, whose trailblazing role in the football fraternity during the apartheid era broke racial barriers yet has faded from public memory.
The launch will take place on 27 February 2026 at Dazela Guest Lodge in Mtwalume, in partnership with AmaZulu FC, South African Police Service (Hibberdene SAPS), the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and sixteen local soccer teams.
Mpanza said the idea was born after visiting Mtwalume, Zuma’s place of birth and witnessing the abundance of raw talent being lost to drugs and crime. “I felt compelled to use Zuma’s legacy to redirect the youth towards something positive,” he said.
As part of the initiative, AmaZulu FC will scout for emerging talent, while football legend Mike Ntombela will mentor young players and share insights from his professional journey.
The tournament aims to serve as a practical intervention for at-risk youth, offering a pathway into professional football, exposure to top-flight scouts, and mentorship from respected figures in the game. Organisers believe bringing professional football structures to Mtwalume will not only honour Zuma’s legacy but could also change lives by turning local passion into real opportunity.
Football legend Mike Ntombela hailed Moffat Zuma as a true pathfinder who opened doors for Black footballers during a time of exclusion. Ntombela recalled that Zuma was among the first Black players to feature for Wits University FC, alongside Mike Mangena, a breakthrough moment that helped reshape opportunities in South African football.
“Football teaches important values such as discipline, punctuality, respect and playing by the rules,” Ntombela said. “It also teaches you how to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. These are life skills that keep young people focused and away from crime.”
AmaZulu FC’s Director of Football, Pedro Dias said the club was proud to be part of the grassroots initiative after being invited to support the tournament. “It’s our pleasure to back community-driven projects like this, to identify potential talent and to strengthen our bond with our supporters,” said Dias.
He added that AmaZulu’s scouts will be looking beyond technical ability. “We are also profiling players with the right attitude and mind-set. That is part of our club culture, strong character goes hand in hand with strong fundamentals on the field,” he said.
Owethu Bonke Zitha (21), a Hostel FC player from Mtwalume, said the tournament has helped him stay consistent and focused, especially in pursuing his football career.
“This tournament keeps me disciplined and motivated,” Zitha said. “My dream is to earn a contract with a first-team side in the Betway Premiership and to become a rising star from uMtwalume. It would mean everything to show that extraordinary talent can come from here.”
Mpanza said securing sponsorship has been one of the biggest challenges in organising the tournament, and he has appealed to local businesses and government institutions to come on board and support the initiative.
“Support can come in many forms, financial contributions, soccer jerseys and boots, prizes for the winners, refreshments and beverages, as well as transport for the teams,” said MaWiser.
He added that even small contributions can make a meaningful difference in ensuring the tournament’s success and in creating real opportunities for young players from the community.
