The Lucas TIhomelang Easter Games were established in 2014. Its objectives are to pioneer, facilitate and grow football development and provide opportunities and advice for many young people in and around North West on how to use football and education to improve their lives.
The Lucas Tlhomelang Foundation hosted its Annual Easter Games on the 8 of April, 2023, at Vryburg’s Extension 28 (Colourblock). The 5th edition of the tournament was, for the first time, held in Vryburg. Previously the tournament was held at other municipalities in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District area, like Mamusa, Kagisano Molopo and Greater Taung Municipalities. The participating teams in the tournament were Amen Academy, Mahobe FC, Do It F.C and Tsoloso FC.
According to the foundation, the tournament is driven by the purpose of getting young boys out of the streets by creating a platform where they can come together in a safe space free of alcohol and drug abuse. The foundation empowers coaches to be as close to the players as possible to pick up any social issues that might challenge the kids as a group or as individuals. This way, coaches become the middleman assisting the Lucas Tlhomelang Foundation in spotting kids needing attention and possible admission at various rehab facilities nationwide.
Tlhomelang is a recovering addict; however, his first love has always been soccer. Having gone through the rough experiences that come with the usage of drugs or substance abuse and sportsmanship, the former Orlando Pirates Defender is now devoted to helping kids live on the straight and narrow, especially those with aspirations of playing sports. The foundation recognises soccer "as the most popular and most watched sport worldwide, a sport with prestige and wide reach. Kids mostly play it from a poor background, and it is often named "the beautiful game, it can change lives for the better."
Lucas Tlhomelang, the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana player, was recently honoured by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture for his excellent job helping the community and School children off the streets. His Non-Profit Organization aims to fight drugs and alcohol abuse through sports. He hosted several tournaments around the province, where he was honoured as a lifetime achiever.
Cllr. C.J. Groep, Naledi Local Municipality's Mayor, gave an audience to the foundation, who presented the conceptualisation of the foundation and rallied support for the upcoming event. "We need more programmes such as these. They are the selfless kind that keeps kids away from the streets and drugs,” remarked the Mayor.
