SPORTS fields across Durban roared with excitement and cheers over the weekend as 5000 athletes participated in the thrilling grand finale of the eThekwini Games.

The Games, established in 2017, were hosted by the City’s Sports Development and Recreation Division. They served as a platform to launch a number of careers with young talent coming from all 111 wards of eThekwini. With their peers and supporters cheering them on from the sidelines, the participants tackled 16 disciplines, including basketball, netball, boxing, chess, volleyball, rugby, athletics, karate, and indigenous games.
High hopes, high bars.

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the games also served as a pre-event to select the squad that will be trained to participate in the South African Local Government Association Games taking place later this year. Among the hopefuls was high jumper Thabiso Malembe who had travelled all the way from the South Coast. The District 10 athlete was defeated at the 1.70m mark where he failed to clear the bar, along with Lithalethu Mtatase who finished in second place.

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Raising the bar high, the boys said they were delighted with their results and podium finish. Mtatase said, “This was my first run at the eThekwini Games and I feel honoured at being chosen for the Salga Games. I gained a lot of experience from this; since it’s my first time I also hope to make an impact on behalf of eThekwini in the Salga Games.”

On the rugby fields at Kings Park Stadium there was more raw talent to be unearthed in the heated games of touch rugby, both boys and girls, while the Umbilo Kings dominated the basketball courts at Hoy Park. Chairperson of Community Services Committee Councillor Zama Sokhabase said the grand finale marked the culmination of weeks of intense competition across all wards in eThekwini, with top-performing teams advancing to represent their districts.

Emerging as the overall champions, District 6, comprising Umlazi and surrounding areas, proudly claimed the coveted Golden Trophy during a vibrant closing ceremony. “The eThekwini Games reflect the incredible talent and commitment of our young athletes. Through this initiative, we aim to unearth and nurture sporting potential while fostering social cohesion, discipline, and healthy lifestyles. eThekwini is truly a sports hub, and we are building a brighter future for our youth,” said Sokhabase.

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