The German S. Chiloane High School soccer pitch in Acornhoek was full of excitment on Saturday 3rd April, when Moloro community members gathered together to unveil the new soccer kit. The community soccer team; Fighters Footbal Club that has never had a soccer kit of their own for a while now, was fortunate this Easter weekend to receive a new soccer kit. The kit includes: two soccer balls, a full blue and white coloured Bonitas soccer gear, about 10 training cones, shinguards, a complete goalkeeper gear, whistle and referee cards.
The Easter egg that Fighters FC received is a result of a successful kind and selfless contribution of the following people: Pontsho Mashego (organisor), Buti Malele, Kgaugelo "Dommy" Mogakane, Mountain Segodi, Calvin Mashego, Oliver Mohlala, Humphrey Malomane, Ronnie Machate and Elvis Machate. The official presentation and hand-over of the gear left a lasting joy on the faces of the community members, as this was not expected anytime sooner that Saturday. Fighters FC was not operational as a team since they did not have a kit, some of the players were only co-opted by surrounding teams such as Boelang United to assist when they had games. This was one of the reasons the contributors found it crucial to be selfless and rescue Moloro youth from substance and drug abuse.
There was a lot of deliberation, dedication, ambition and financial contribution even under tight economic circumstances from all contributors for this dream to come true. The chief organisor Pontsho Mashego said that for him, it was heart-breaking to see the youth resorting to alcohol due to unavailability of soccer equipment for the team and decent sporting facilities in the area. "I always wanted to be part of the change that I want to see in my community, again I knew that I wouldn't be able to reach it alone without the help of my fellow villagers. It was very bad seeing Fighters FC going down the drain, while some of our players helped other teams and others getting engaged into alcohol because Fighters FC was considered dead. "I had to organise my fellow hommies to come on board and together as one we made it possible to drag our fellow brothers off the streets." Said Mashego.
Front row: (Left to Right) Khomotšo Malele, Oliver Mohlala, Sakkie Dibakoane, Clive Segodi (Goalkeeper), Ishmail "Bokwene" Sakwane, Kgotatso Mashiloane and Ronald Machate.
Although not all goals that the contributors wanted to achieve were accomplished; more than 80 percent was achieved. One of the contributors Oliver Mohlala said that there is a lot still to come for the Moloro community in Bushbuckridge. "This is our pilot project for the community, we want to bring in development ourselves and the time is now. This is the beggining, the new dawn!" Mohlala added. The responsibility for the kit was put on the shoulders of each and every single team member, meanwhile Kgaugelo Mogakane will be it's Care-taker and Humphrey Malomane will take care of the club's finances until the club committee is elected.
The kit unveiling match that was nearly unsuccessful, was organised between the home team (Fighters FC) and Barcelonor FC from Boyelang village. The teams held each other at 3-3 draw, despite that Fighters FC was at better chance for a win.