In the heart of Ramatlabama, Six Hundred village near Mahikeng, a spirited community comes together to pay homage to their fallen hero, the legendary Oarabile "Stutah" Morule. In a brilliant tribute to the local football luminary, residents have devised a unique celebration. This soccer tournament promises to echo Morule's prowess and leave an indelible mark on the village's sporting history.
Morule, fondly known as the "Skormochini" of his time, was not just a goal-scorer but a lethal force on the field. His incredible skills led him to the Sol Plaatjie high school team, a remarkable feat given that he wasn't even a student there. He played for Sol Plaatje and went for the SAB under-21 tournament at Bloemfontein. That was when Ajax Cape Town and Owen da Gama spotted him. That's when he received his first national under-23 call-up.
In collaboration with Morule's family and football enthusiasts, the vibrant Goitseone Makokoe conceived the idea of a top-tier soccer tournament to immortalize the fallen star's legacy. Scheduled for December 15 and 16 at Melorane Primary School sports ground. This event promises a spectacle of talent and emotion.
The stakes are high, with a total prize fund of R45 000 up for grabs. The champions will take home R25 000, gold medals and a coveted soccer kit. The second and third-placed teams will earn R12 000 and R8 000, respectively, along with silver and bronze medals. Individual accolades, including the top goal-scorer, player of the tournament, and goalkeeper of the tournament, add an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
Anticipation is building, and the tournament is expected to attract dignitaries and luminaries from various fields. Nomvula Kgoale, a standout player from TS Galaxy Queens and Banyana Banyana, will grace the occasion alongside Sbusiso Mateza, the passionate Bloemfontein Celtic supporter. Joining the festivities are familiar faces like Kamogelo Letsholonyana, the Skeem Saam actor, Kagiso Mohlose, the 800m African Champ, and Stephen Mokoka, the international marathon champion who proudly calls Six Hundred home.
Notably, Pule Kgokong, the former BOPSOL 1992 Player of the Season, is set to share his experiences on the football field. Mo Media caught up with two of Morule's former teammates, and Lesego "Search" Masigo reminisced, "I enjoyed providing him with the clinical Kungwane-style passes. From his boot, whether it was a long-range shot or a tap-in, I was 100% percent sure the ball would end up in the back of the net. In one game, he scored 10 goals; the opposition was tough, but 'Stutah' was the difference between us winning and them losing, as he bagged all the goals by himself."
As the tournament draws nearer, Ramatlabama Six Hundred village prepares to come alive with the echoes of cheers, the thrill of competition, and the enduring spirit of a soccer star who left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. This event isn't just a tournament; it's a celebration of legacy, talent, and the unifying power of sport.
