FORMER Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Innocent Mayoyo was honoured on Saturday, 5 August at the Duduza Stadium in Ekurhuleni.
This was for his efforts in developing up-and-coming soccer players. On Saturday, the Jobe Foundation hosted a one-day soccer tournament named after Mayoyo at the Duduza Stadium.
The tournament dubbed Innocent Mayoyo Soccer extravaganza featured four teams, Wattivlle FC, Jomo Cosmos, Jobe Eleven and Zwide Ka Langa FC from Soweto.
The veteran Mayoyo, who is from KwaThema in Ekurhuleni, started his professional soccer career at Orlando Pirates at the age of 20.
He played for 12 professional teams in his 18-year soccer career and hanged his soccer boosts at Ajax Cape Town at the age of 39. Mayoyo is a founder of Ayoba-Yo Youth Soccer Academy, based in Springs, Ekurhuleni.
"I'm humbled by the gesture that has been shown by the Jobe Foundation and the community of Duduza, especially in honouring me while I'm still alive.
"A lot of times, you will find people are being honoured when they have passed on," Mayoyo said.
"Some players are playing in developments Premier Soccer League teams and Cosmos."
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The legendary Dr Ephraim Matsilele "Jomo" Sono said this was a wonderful gesture for Mayoyo to be honoured.
"Even after he finished his playing career, Mayoyo never stopped. He developed players in his community to show his love of the game and also empowered the youth in his area," he said.
Jobe Foundation spokesman Sizwe Nqubezelo said their president Sphiwe Sithole came up with the idea to honour Mayoyo.
"The one-day tournament aimed to honour our legend Mayoyo while he's still alive. His role of nurturing future stars around KwaThema, Tsakane and Duduza has been recognised, and it was befitting to show appreciation to Mayoyo, who dedicated his life nurturing our youth."
He said the foundation was established in 2022 to help the needy community in Duduza by donating school uniforms, groceries and bringing hope and change ekasi.
Jomo Cosmos won the tournament when they beat Wattville FC 5-4 on penalties.
