Former Orlando Pirates captain and Reboost Energy Drink ambassador Innocent Maela has praised the power of grassroots football following a successful opening weekend of the Reboost-sponsored Lerato Lamola Winter Games in Tembisa.
By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Former Orlando Pirates captain and Reboost Energy Drink ambassador Innocent Maela engages with young footballers and supporters during the opening weekend of the Lerato Lamola Winter Games at Lord Khanyile Sports Ground in Tembisa. The tournament continues to provide a valuable platform for emerging talent while bringing communities together through the power of grassroots football. Photo Credit: Supplied
The much-anticipated tournament got underway on Saturday, 6 June, at a packed Lord Khanyile Sports Ground, drawing hundreds of football supporters, aspiring players and community members eager to witness the start of one of the area’s most important football development initiatives.
Running from 6 to 27 June, the Lerato Lamola Winter Games has once again positioned itself as a vital platform for nurturing local talent, providing young footballers with an opportunity to compete, showcase their abilities and pursue their dreams of playing at higher levels.
As a proud sponsor of the tournament, Reboost Energy Drink joined the celebrations, bringing energy and excitement to the event while reinforcing its commitment to youth development through sport.
Speaking after attending the opening weekend, Maela expressed his admiration for the quality of football on display and the overwhelming support from the local community.
“There is something special about community football,” said Maela. “These tournaments are where players learn resilience, develop their character and gain valuable experience that helps prepare them for bigger opportunities in the game – which aligns with Reboost Energy Drink’s belief of ‘Keep Rising’.”
The former Buccaneers skipper noted that the strong turnout from supporters highlighted football’s unique ability to unite communities and inspire young people.
“It was incredible to see the number of people who came out to support the teams. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it shows how important football remains in bringing communities together,” he added.
For many aspiring footballers participating in the tournament, the Winter Games represent more than just competition. They provide a valuable stage to gain exposure, test their skills against quality opposition and potentially attract the attention of scouts, coaches and clubs looking for emerging talent.
Maela believes community tournaments continue to play a critical role in strengthening South Africa’s football development structures.
“Many professional footballers started their journeys in community tournaments just like this one,” he said. “These competitions are important because they help identify talent while giving players a platform to challenge themselves against quality opposition. They are an essential part of developing the next generation of South African footballers.”
Beyond the action on the pitch, supporters enjoyed an engaging matchday experience through the Reboost Energy Drink activation area, where fans participated in interactive competitions, giveaways and entertainment activities throughout the day.
The activation added an extra dimension to the event, ensuring that spectators remained at the heart of the tournament experience while strengthening the connection between football, community and youth culture.
With the competition now fully underway, organisers are expecting several weeks of exciting football as teams battle for glory and players continue to make their mark in front of passionate local supporters.
The success of the opening weekend has already demonstrated the tournament’s growing influence as a platform for talent development and community engagement. It also reinforces the importance of partnerships between sport and private-sector stakeholders in creating opportunities for young athletes.
As the Lerato Lamola Winter Games continue throughout June, fans can expect more thrilling matches, emerging stars and innovative fan experiences from Reboost Energy Drink, all contributing to a celebration of football’s enduring impact in South African communities.
For aspiring footballers across Tembisa and beyond, the message remains clear: community football is not only alive and thriving—it remains one of the country’s most important pathways to future success.
