SAFA Men’s Regional League Champions receive sports equipment boost from online gambling operator.

Media Release

20 June 2023

Johannesburg – 20 June 2023: Global sportsbook and online games operator, 10bet South Africa has donated home and away kits, soccer boots, and soccer balls to Opopo Football Club Academy, among other things, to support them in their preparation for the play-off which they are confident will gain them promotion into the ABC Motsepe League, their ultimate goal for the year.

Opopo Football Club Academy, who are the reigning champions of the SAFA Men’s Regional League – Yellow Stream, is a community-based soccer club that has been actively involved in nurturing males of various ages to become professional soccer players and prevent them from becoming involved in a life of crime, substance abuse and other social ills which could prevent them from reaching their full potential.

In addition to Opopo Football Club Academy’s recent championship achievement, the team’s proudest moments include Siyabonga Ronaldo Khumalo (20) who recently signed a professional contract with Swallows FC. Khumalo joined Opopo Football Club Academy at the tender age of 12 and played a total of 07 years before joining Swallows FC where he played 10 games in the past PSL season. The team’s duo, Thandanani Ndlovu (20) and Sibusiso Ndlovu (18) moved to Poland and are currently playing for Club MKS Cargovia Kargowa in the Polish 5th Division.

“Our vision is to provide an escape for vulnerable and underprivileged aspiring soccer professionals, and to give them access to structured and organized sports programmes, which promote psycho-social development, life skills training as well as a basic exercise in a fun and safe environment. Furthermore, is to use soccer as a community development device. We do this by using various football activities to produce excellent sporting skills and cultivate socio-economic conditions for our players. Through our training methods, we hope to teach discipline as well as provide them with knowledge and support to motivate them to be successful individuals”, said Thabiso Magubane, Spokesperson for Opopo Football Club Academy.

Magubane added that the team draws inspiration from Former President, Nelson Mandela’s words – “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sports can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than the government in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all kinds of discrimination.”

“As per our name, Opopo, which means One People One Power, our team exists to fulfill this very purpose – to unite and bring hope to the disadvantaged individuals residing in and around Johannesburg CBD through soccer,” said Magubane 

Zanele Nhlapo, PR and CSR Manager at 10bet said organisations who improve the lives of people in our communities are particularly important to 10bet. 

“Opopo has proven through their success stories that sport indeed has the power to bring social cohesion, mental and social change, and we are confident that our donation will enable the team to meet the goals that they have set for themselves for the season”, adds Nhlapo.

About 10bet:

10bet is one of the leading international online betting operators and, for nearly 20 years, has provided millions of players with the highest quality sportsbook and online games experiences. Trusted by millions globally, 10bet has a customer-centric approach and offers a diverse range of sports and markets to bet on, a user-friendly and intuitive interface, rewarding and engaging gameplay, great odds across all sports, fast pay-outs, and online games powered by multiple providers.