MEC Maseko hands over new cricket nets in Mopani
MEC Funani Maseko hands over new cricket nets to Nkowankowa Cricket Hub, expanding sports infrastructure in rural schools.
LIMPOPO – Sport MEC Funani Maseko recently handed over new cricket nets to the Nkowankowa Cricket Hub at Mahwahwa Secondary School in Nwamitwa.
While the hub has been operational for some time, it previously lacked proper nets for training. The new facilities were donated by Chillers on Wheels, with Maseko attending the official handover ceremony.
The Nkowankowa Cricket Hub is home to some of the country’s most promising young cricketers, including the u/20 girls’ team, which recently won the SA20 Northern Eastern Region Cricket Trophy.
Their victory has earned them a spot in the SA20 schools’ finals, set to take place in Pretoria in March.
During the handover, Maseko reaffirmed the department’s dedication to expanding sports infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
“We are committed to promoting sports in schools, especially in villages. This is just the beginning, and we are bringing more facilities,” he said. He urged learners from Mahwahwa High and neighbouring schools to use the cricket net responsibly. “This facility is for you, take care of it and make the most of it,” he added.
In addition to the cricket nets, the department also provided rugby and hockey equipment to several schools in the area, including Tito Mboweni Primary, Magoza High School, Mangweni Primary School, and Mugwazeni Primary School.
The initiative seeks to encourage a culture of sports participation and physical activity among learners.
Diketso Mashile, director of Chillers on Wheels, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting young talent. “Sports have the power to change lives. They can open doors and take young people to places they never imagined, free of charge. We wanted to provide a proper facility to nurture the talent that already exists in this community,” Mashile said.
Encouraging learners to make full use of the facilities, Mashile also called on businesses to contribute to community development by investing in sports infrastructure.
The handover event received strong support from local stakeholders, who praised the initiative as a vital step in fostering both academic and athletic excellence.
