Phuti Lekoloane, recognised as Africa’s first out male gay footballer, has been honoured at the recent 18th South African Sport Awards.
The prestigious awards ceremony took place at the Sun City Superbowl on 24 August, celebrating champions, trailblazers, and unsung heroes who enrich the nation’s sporting legacy.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
Lekoloane received the Sport Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of his dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in football. Through his Phuti Lekoloane Foundation and his African Pride Games, he continues to champion these vital causes.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Lekoloane proudly declared, “I am Phuti Lekoloane and I am the first gay footballer in Africa…” to cheers and applause from the audience.
He added: “I’d like to thank my family and friends for creating a safe space for me, for fighting for me,” and, “I’d like to thank the community of Tembisa for giving me the platform.”
He also acknowledged the City of Johannesburg “for helping us with the African Pride Games, with the lack of resources that we face every day.”
Calling on Government Support
Lekoloane then challenged the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, to demonstrate governmental backing for LGBTQ+ sports initiatives.
“I would like to call the Minister to recognise the LGBTI programmes in sport,” he said. “We have been running the African Pride Games for the past six years without funding. The next edition is scheduled for 4 October, and we hope the Minister will respond to our call. Thank you very much.”
The African Pride Games publicly praised its founder on social media: “This recognition is not only a personal achievement for Phuti but a powerful victory for our entire movement. It reflects the countless hours, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment Phuti has dedicated towards creating safe, inclusive spaces for athletes, particularly LGBTI athletes who have long been pushed to the margins of sport.”
City of Johannesburg Community Development MMC, Cllr Tebogo Nkokou, also extended his congratulations, stating: “Today we honour the LGBTQI+ community for their resilience and determination to be recognised across all sectors of society. As the City of Johannesburg, we are committed to supporting them as they showcase their talent and abilities, especially in sport.”
A Pioneering Figure in Sports
Lekoloane first gained public attention when he came out as Africa’s first out male gay footballer in 2015, while playing as goalkeeper for the Pretoria-based JDR Stars second division team. He has since retired from playing to focus on sports advocacy and activism.
Earlier this year, he received the International Award at the Football v Homophobia Awards in Glasgow. In an interview with MambaOnline in May, Lekoloane discussed the challenges faced by himself and his foundation in organising the African Pride Games.
“With zero funding and no consistent sponsorship, survival itself has become a daily challenge. We’re driven by passion and resilience, but we need real support to grow and sustain this movement. This isn’t just about sport; it’s about visibility, safety, and rewriting what’s possible for queer African youth,” he explained.
