Promoting unity and harmony in communities has become more important than ever and creating a sense of belonging and connection within society, plays a vital role in creating a strong and resilient community.
Soup-Er Heroes on and off the pitch, is such initiative that saw the need to assist community members irrespective of their social standing, to interact and socialise through the provision of Soup Drives.
The Kagiso-based Soup-Er Heroes on and off the pitch, referred to a Movement was conceptualised in April 2025, through collaborative efforts of three local-based soccer teams, Riverside Albion, Kagiso International and Vlei1 Rebels Masters, who collectively merged soccer and community needs.
Before the formation of the Movement, individual members who formed the core administration of the initiative had in past four years hosted soup drives and charity drives in the area. Keketso Lekgethenyane, one of the drivers of the initiative mentioned: “Soup-Er Heroes on and off the pitch is a movement that seeks to uplift our community irrespective of the individual status.”
“We saw a need in our community that there are members of our community who go to bed on empty stomachs and that did not sit well with us. So, we brought up three local teams of Masters who agreed to partner and assist in doing this magnificent job,” Lekgethenyane concluded.
Mmabatho Moiloa added: “Our aim is to touch the lives of the less fortunate. We have also extended our programmes with provision of sanitary towels and toiletries for school going learners.”
When this publication visited a recently hosted street soccer and netball tournament hosted by the Kagiso Sports Development Academy and Thanya Production, in Kagiso, members of the Movement were seen providing bread and soup for the spectators throughout the tourney.
Benny Dikgale, a resident was over the moon and added that: “It is a good thing that members of the community came together with sports, while at the same time members of this initiative [Soup-Er Heroes] came on board and provided soup and bread. An initiative that deserved to be applauded.”
Tshepo Rampete and Mercia Refiloe spoke in unison adding their voices that: “Through this movement we are hoping we grow from Kagiso and Krugersdorp and extend our support to surrounding areas such as Tarlton and Magaliesburg, targeting the less fortunate and vulnerable groups.”
Beside the Soup Drives, the team has also assisted the needy community members with clothes, blankets, school shoes and food parcels. The Soup-Er Heroes on and off the pitch is a good story to tell that is fostering social cohesion through community development.
The self-funding and donor dependent Movement is pleading with community members and local businesses to give assistance of any kind toward the upkeep of these interventions. Together We can foundation and Mabasa Terry Attorneys have also thrown their weight in supporting the noble initiative.
Sipho None
Soweto Sunrise News
