12/07/2026
ESHANE SUPER LEAGUE WITH ABATHEMBU COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EXTENDS HEARTFELT APPRECIATION TO MONDI FOR SPONSORING FIRE AWARENESS TOURNAMENT
By Nkosinathi Sithole (Nkosi) ESHANE
Following a spectacular weekend of sporting excellence and environmental advocacy at the Eshane Sports Ground, local football organisers, community leaders, and players have expressed their deepest gratitude to global packaging and paper group, Mondi, for sponsoring the landmark Mondi Forest Fire Awareness Soccer Tournament.
Empowering Grassroots Sport
The 12-team knockout tournament—co-hosted by the Eshane Super League and the Shane Abathembu Community Development initiative—was hailed as a monumental success. By waiving all team affiliation and joining fees, Mondi removed financial barriers, allowing local clubs like Megalo Academy, Redbull FC, Pholani United, and Matimatolo Football Academy to showcase their talent on a premium competitive stage.
Community organisers praised Mondi’s investment, noting that tournaments of this scale provide vital, positive recreational outlets for regional youth while fostering social cohesion through the beautiful game.
Scoring Goals for the Environment
Beyond the thrilling goals and on-field drama, Mondi was widely commended for utilising the universal appeal of football to deliver a life-saving environmental message. With the region currently navigating a high-risk dry season, Mondi’s interactive fire safety and prevention campaigns [from-risk-to-resilience-how-mondi-is-redefining-fire-safety-in-forestry] successfully educated thousands of spectators and athletes on the critical need to protect local plantations and wildlife from devastating veld fires.
A Partnership for Future Growth"
We cannot thank Mondi enough for their visionary support," said a spokesperson from the local organising committee. "They didn't just bring football to Eshane this weekend; they brought resources, education, and hope. By teaching our youth to become guardians of our forestry environments, Mondi is actively securing both the ecological and economic future of our community."
As the dust settles on an unforgettable tournament, the Eshane community looks forward to a long, enduring partnership with Mondi, aiming to make the Fire Awareness Tournament a staple event on the regional sporting calendar.
