The aim of the tournament, which will take place annually, is to identify raw talent of aspiring young footballers in the Southern Cape at an early age.
"I only started my professional career at the age of 25 at Santos Football Club in Cape Town, mainly due to the limited opportunities in the area. We hope to create the platform so that these soccer players can showcase their skills and be identified by the talent scouts that are here."
Loyiso Shoto, the secretary of the South African Football Association (Safa) Eden, said the tournament will feature eight local teams from the Eden region.
"The teams were selected after a series of games that were scrutinised for potential.
"The squad that will be selected here will play against the other football academies throughout the country so that the region can establish its strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully the players will be scouted for the professional teams."
Bacela has managed to secure the backing of his personal sponsors, Puma manufacturers of sporting goods, who will be sponsoring soccer kits to each of the eight teams, as well as the George Municipality.
Elvis Shishana, the vice-president of Safa and president of Safa Eden, said that the Lennox Bacela initiative forms part of the development programme of the region.
"I am very proud of Lennox. He approached me saying he wanted to plough back into the region and send out a message to the youngsters that it is possible to play soccer on the big stage. He is humble young man who is a role model that all players should emulate."
Orlando Pirates players watching the final between Black Cats FC, from Lawaaikamp, and Peacemakers FC, from Mossel Bay. Sitting on the grass, from left: Qpa Maniyisa, Wisani Mhlongo and Lennox Bacela. Seated on chairs, from left: Patrick Phungwayo, Thabo Matlaba, Mpho Makola, Rooi Mahamutsa and Happy Jele.
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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