Tsakani – The Owl City Pre-Season Mini League Winter Tournament concluded at the Plus Ground in Tsakani on August 22, bringing young people and the wider community together through sport during the school holidays.

One of the organisers, Jabu Mathibela, said the tournament was designed to provide young people with a positive, constructive way to spend their time while strengthening unity within the community.

He said young people who are left without activities or proper supervision can become vulnerable to harmful choices, including substance abuse.

“The tournament started during the school holidays and has managed to keep the community united. I am happy that we managed to keep our goal and achieved it,” said Mathibela.

He added that both the young players and organisers had received the tournament well.

“The kids are happy and so are the organisers. Although we need sponsors to make this initiative a huge success,” he said.

Mathibela said the tournament also provided an opportunity to identify and nurture young sporting talent in the community.

“There are many talented and outgoing players who are dedicated to becoming professional players,” he said.

He said more support was needed to ensure the tournament could grow and reach more young people in future.

According to Mathibela, the organisers need financial support as well as sporting equipment, including medals, soccer balls, playing kits and other resources.

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He appealed to local businesses, organisations and potential sponsors to support the initiative, saying investment in grassroots sport could help young people develop their talents while keeping them engaged in positive activities.

Mathibela said the organisers hoped to build on the success of this year’s tournament and create an even bigger platform for young players in the future.

The tournament’s semi-final game between Tech and Amazababa ended 4-0 in favour of Tech. The team’s coach, Bheki Mchunu, expressed gratitude for the game, calling it a beautiful game.

“We did our best and won the game without a huge challenge from our opponents. We put up a fight that we ended up winning,” he said.

Tech United moved on to the final games.