The start of a new school year marks both continuity for returning students and fresh beginnings for newcomers.
As parents and guardians prepare for the annual ritual of purchasing school supplies, many face financial challenges, including school fees and essential learning materials.
Recognising this struggle, El Legado Business and Masianokeng Sports Academy have redefined the traditional Back to School celebration.
Now in its second edition, the event—held on Sunday, January 26, 2025—goes beyond nostalgia, transforming into a call to action for businesses and social clubs to contribute school essentials to underprivileged students.
Speaking to Newsday, Tlokotsi Ndlovu of Masianokeng Sports Academy emphasized the importance of using this event to support students in need.
“We have so many students who have dropped out because they lack school essentials,” Ndlovu explained. “This initiative aims to restore hope and ensure that children return to school, equipped with the materials they need.”
Through collaboration with head teachers from Masianokeng High School and Primary School, organizers will identify students in need, ensuring the donated items reach the most vulnerable learners.
The Back to School tournament kicked off with eight competing football clubs: Libetsi, Lesotho Post Bank, Team 20, Linaoeng Masters, Vintage, Gold Dollar, Team El Legado, and Foso Social Team.
The competition began with knockout quarter-finals, where four teams—Libetsi, Team 20, Vintage, and Foso Social Team—secured spots in the semi-finals. The remaining teams will battle for their place in the tournament.
The semi-final matches, scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2025, will see Team 20 face Libetsi, while Vintage takes on Foso Social Team. The winners of these two matches will compete in the final.
Molapo Shakhane, co-founder of El Legado Butchery, underscored the power of collaboration in charitable efforts.
“We must work together as a community to support those in need—not for personal gain, but for the betterment of society,” Shakhane said. “Back to School celebrations take place in many settings, from workplaces to social clubs and sports events. Let’s use this opportunity to change a child’s life.”
He further revealed El Legado’s long-term goal: expanding the initiative to cover annual school fees for at least ten students in the coming years.
With football and philanthropy at its heart, this Back to School celebration is more than just a sporting event—it’s a movement to empower students and uplift communities.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports.
Started working at Newsday in 2021.
has an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media.
