Football Passion Keeps Mpumalanga Veterans Young at Heart

By: Fortu

For Petrus Junior Magopa, Jimmy “Fire” Masilela and Brian “Bruno” Mtsuki, football is more than a sport it is a lifelong passion that has followed them from their playing days to the Golden Games. The three football veterans were among the older persons attending the 2026 Provincial Active Ageing programme, where sport provided an opportunity for former footballers to once again showcase their love for the beautiful game.

The provincial programme, hosted under the theme “Promoting Social Cohesion, Cultural Exchange and Active Ageing,” encourages older persons to remain physically active, socially connected and involved in their communities. The Golden Games form an important part of this programme.

Their love of football began long before the Golden Games. Magopa's football journey saw him play for Witbank Black Aces, before moving to Witbank Spurs, where he eventually hung up his playing boots. But retirement from professional football did not mean retirement from the sport he loves. Today, Magopa is still actively involved in football and plays for Emalahleni 50s, a team made up of players who have retained their passion for the game well into their later years. The team is currently competing in a 50-plus league in Johannesburg, showing that age has not weakened their desire to compete. When the Golden Games arrived, Magopa and his teammates continued to represent their district, playing for Nkangala District. His journey is a powerful example of the spirit behind Active Ageing a programme that encourages older people to remain active and participate in sport and recreational activities.

Another football veteran carrying years of experience is Jimmy Masilela, affectionately known by football followers as “Fire Masilela.” Masilela previously played for Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa's well-known football clubs, before also turning out for Moroka Swallows. Although his professional playing days are behind him, Masilela has continued to keep the football flame alive. He is now part of Witbank Masters, where he plays alongside other experienced footballers, including Dumisa Ngobe, Frank Mangkuwa and Brian Mtsuki. For Masilela, football remains a connection to a lifetime of memories, friendships and competition.

Joining the football veterans is Brian Mtsuki, known to many by his nickname “Bruno.” Mtsuki previously played for Witbank Black Aces during the late 1980s, giving him a football history stretching back several decades. Today, he continues to be involved in the sport through the Masters football setup. Together with players such as Masilela, Mtsuki represents a generation of footballers who refuse to let age bring an end to their relationship with the game.

Their stories reflect the wider message of the Provincial Active Ageing programme: getting older should not mean withdrawing from society or abandoning the activities that bring joy and purpose. At the gala dinner, MEC for Social Development Hon. NE Hlophe reminded older persons that age does not take away their talent, confidence or ability to enjoy life. The MEC also described older people as champions, noting that being over 60 does not mean life has to become inactive.

For Magopa, Masilela and Mtsuki, football continues to prove that point. From the professional football fields of the past to today's Masters and Golden Games competitions, their boots may have changed, but their love for the game remains. They are living proof that football has no retirement age when the passion for the game is still alive.

 “I wish to acknowledge the partnership between the Department of Social Development, Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, Department of Health, Office of the Premier, Mpumalanga Older Persons Forum, our municipalities, caregivers, officials and all our partners and SASOL” acknowledged the MEC.