18 Jun 2018

South Africa’s ABSA Premiership side, Bloemfontein Celtics and Zebras goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe spent the day with the Monarch community where he grew up at an event dubbed ‘A Day with Kabelo Dambe’ over the weekend.

The event, which consisted of a  soccer tournament organised by Al-Fig Events and Promotions Company, saw many youngsters thrilled at seeing Dambe and were even allowed access to interact with him.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the day was the soccer tournament, which consisted of teams such as Mexican Dogs Football Club, Monarch First XI, Mbaga, BZ Football Club and Darkies Soccer Club.

The first teams to hit the ground were BZ FC versus Darkies in a game that BZ won 4-3 and another match that drew a large crowd was the game between Monarch First XI and Mexican Dogs, which ended with a 0-0 stalemate.

Mexican Dogs won the game 5-4 after penalties. 

Spectators were also treated to another exciting match between Dambe XI and Scara XI, which saw some of Monarch’s seasoned football talent in the likes of Dambe himself involved, switching his goal post position for an infield position. 

Other notable names in the team included Tafic player, Zecco Makafiri, former Extension Gunners player, Obey Kgomo and Dambe XI easily trounced their opponent 3-1.

The final match was between Monarch First XI and BZ FC where the former won by 2-1 to be crowned the overall winners of the tournament.

In an interview after the tournament, Dambe, who is on off-season from his South African club, said he was always humbled at the love and respect the people of Monarch accorded him.

“The love I get from the community here always inspires me to do greater things for them and this event was one way in which I wanted to show my appreciation for them. 

I am always happy to come home to Monarch where I grew up. There is no place like this location,” Dambe said. 

Additionally, he thanked the community for attending the free event in large numbers, saying it had surprised him, moreso that the event had been organised on short notice. 

He stated that he was open to other invitations of community building in other areas around the country to inspire young upcoming football players and the youth in general.

The managing director of Al-Fig Events and Promotions, Gopolang Almando said he was happy at how the whole day went and that he was thankful to Dambe for agreeing to inspire young footballers in his area for free.

“The event deterred crime and abuse of alcohol as the time spent at the event by the youth meant avoiding being involved in negative behaviour. 

We have agreed with Dambe for more initiatives of this nature in the near future when he is free from work,” he said. ENDs