SAFA IBL Rural Soccer League
Interstate Bus Lines took the initiative to support football from grassroots level in the Mangaung Metro as a whole, as part of its responsibility towards the community. Interstate Bus Lines formed a strong relationship with the Regional SAFA structure and it has been a very productive 7 seasons. In one of the SAFA Prize giving ceremonies, the CEO of Interstate Bus Lines (IBL), Mr George Mokgothu, emphasized that the IBL/SAFA Rural Promotional League is a seed that Interstate Bus Lines is planting in the communities of Mangaung Metro and the purpose is to see the seed geminate, grow and bear the fruit that will put Interstate Bus Lines and SAFA Mangaung Metro on the map. The partnership started with 54 u/13 clubs, 66 u/15, 38 u/17 SAFA promotion clubs and 42 ladies clubs.
To date, SAFA has over 400 teams participating in the IBL/SAFA Promotional league and Interstate Bus Lines remains the sole sponsor of this league. The partnership has produced quite a number of prolific soccer stars and officials, such as the magnificent Thembinkosi Lorch who played for Mangaung Metro and is currently with Orlando Pirates, Kobedi ‘Shado’ Kobedi signed by PSL team Bloemfontein Celtic and selected for the National under 20. Tshepo Chaine from Black Urban in Botshabelo, who played for TS Galaxy that lifted the 2018/2019 Nedbank Cup. Miss Maneo Tau from Thaba Nchu our Female Referee that has also been called up to the FIFA structures.
The overall sponsorship is valued in excess of R200 000 per annum and every end of August, Interstate Bus Lines hosts a Prize giving ceremony for the successful teams from all the leagues.
Botshabelo Street Football
Botshabelo is one of the biggest townships in the country. They have a daily fight against gangsterism, crime, drug and alcohol abuse and many other social ills that one finds where there is a high rate of unemployment. The organisers of the Botshabelo Street Football Tournament, Letsetse Communication and Lifestyle, believe that it is in the best interests of every community member to contribute in the solution of these problems hence their involvement in the event. They hold the view that the root causes of the above mentioned problems are, among others, a lack of social cohesion.
The tournament is therefore used as a tool to unite the community for the benefit of the youth and the entire community. Botshabelo also boasts a strong soccer following and the area has produced some of the best footballers that the country has seen including the current top of the crop PSL players. Interstate Bus Lines has been a major sponsor of the event that recently celebrated 5 years. Each year the event profiles, celebrates and honours previous prominent soccer players from the area. The tournament is also used to create a platform for up and coming DJs, musicians, visual artists, designers, even soccer players taking part on this event and many more local talents to showcase their different talents on the day. The event is also dominated by the children, organisers have created entertainment area for small children which include jumping castles and they plan to include swimming pools.Interstate Bus Lines supports such community events as part of recognising the support of the community.
