Some of the most celebrated players from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and abroad will participate in the inaugural CPC-Diski99 “Stop Drug Abuse” tournament later this month.

South African football legends Lucas “Rhoo” Radebe, Lebohang Mokoena, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Josta Dladla, and William Okpara will team up with former Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars midfielders, Kleinbooi Taaibos and Moses Spandeel, for this special event.

The match will be held at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in the Free State on April 27th, the same day South Africa commemorates 30 years of freedom.

What better way to celebrate this milestone than with players who were still active during the country’s first democratic elections? This throwback event perfectly complements the day’s theme: Say No to Drug Abuse, a critical issue that has devastated the country and robbed it of countless potential leaders.

This initiative, sponsored by fiber internet service provider Net Nine Nine and the non-profit organization Concerned Parents Campaigns (CPC), aims to unite all organizations in the fight against substance abuse, particularly among young people.

For the past 30 years, South Africa has faced an uphill battle against drug abuse. Efforts like this, where sporting legends join forces with CPC and Net Nine Nine, are vital to send a clear message: “No to drug abuse, Yes to life.”

The struggle against drug abuse is undeniably hard-fought, with many youths tragically resorting to drugs for entertainment.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates player Cheeseboy Mokoena spoke about his own near misses with drugs during his youth.

“Growing up in the townships,” Mokoena told Sportswire, “you’re constantly exposed to these things. You see friends get involved. I had friends who fell into drugs, but ultimately, it’s a choice. When someone asks why you’re hiding away, it’s easy to feel pressured and give in. But once you’re in, it’s incredibly difficult to get out. Some of my friends are still in jail, some have lost their lives, and some are struggling to rebuild their lives.”

Gauteng Legends Team:

• Lucas Radebe
• William Okpara
• Abednego Netshodwe
• Morgan Gould
• Tonic Chabalala
• Reneilwe Letsholonyane
• Josta Dladla
• Benedict Vilakazi
• Joseph Ngake
• Mokoena
• Jabu Mahlangu
• Katlego Mashego
• Tebogo Moloi
• Isaac Mabotsa
• Thabo Qalinge

Bloemfontein Celtic Legends Team:

• Jacob Makhasi
• Charles Motlohi
• Patrick Malokase
• Patrick Setlai
• Solomon Gatri
• Thembile Kanono
• Cecil Orsen
• Daniel Matsau
• Aaron Lepele
• Andrew Mxaka
• Troy Saila
• Benjamin Reed
• Jeffrey Legetla
• Kleinbooi Taaibos
• David Modise