The Home of Legends Cup one-day soccer tournament cost taxpayers R14m — of which about R200,000 was budgeted for the trophy that has been widely ridiculed on social media.
The inaugural event took place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday and involved Premier Soccer League teams Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Chippa United and Golden Arrows.
The trophy, which bears the names of political stalwarts Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko and Chris Hani, was unveiled on the day of the event by premier Oscar Mabuyane, sports MEC Sibulele Ngongo and other dignitaries.
It sparked debate on social media, with some online users poking fun at it, calling it “a piece of wood” and an “arts and culture school project”.
But the event organisers defended the trophy, saying it represented what the Eastern Cape was all about.
Mandela Bay Development Agency CEO Anele Qaba said the only part of the trophy that was made of wood — indigenous to the Eastern Cape — was its base, with the rest of it cast in bronze.
The agency, the province’s department of sport and the Eastern Cape provincial government were the custodians of the tournament.
Qaba said the trophy was designed by a Nelson Mandela University team and no tender was issued.
He said the university was their long-standing marketing, design, creative work and related services partner.
“The trophy is a handcrafted masterpiece rooted in the rich heritage of the Eastern Cape.
“The design symbolises the enduring spirit of our local legends, with every element thoughtfully chosen to honour their legacy.
“If one takes into consideration the value of a handcrafted art piece, the time and resources of the university, you can conclude it is worth hundreds of thousands of rand, and priceless in art terms.
“We are consolidating the cost of the final materials and will share that when the report comes.”
A confidential document leaked to The Herald’s sister paper Daily Dispatch revealed the tournament budget was R14.05m, of which R1.7m was set aside for the prize money and trophy.
The prize of R1.5m was pocketed by winners Kaizer Chiefs.
Sources revealed the piece was not ready in time for a scheduled media briefing in Bhisho on Wednesday last week, when it was meant to be unveiled.
Qaba justified the delay, saying the casting process took time and they did not want to rush it but rather ensure that it was delivered complete.
Daily Dispatch
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