Inaugural Leolo netball tourney concludes with double victory

PHALABORWA – The inaugural Leolo Netball Tournament concluded successfully at Mashishimale Stadium on Saturday, August 23, with the Impala (u/15) team and the Senior Dynamites (over 15) securing championship titles in their respective categories.

The tournament featured eight teams from across the region, four in each division, competing for cash prizes, trophies, and medals.

Winners in each category received R7 500 in cash, two trophies, and gold medals. Second place earned R5 000 and silver medals, third place R2 500 and bronze medals, and fourth place R2 000.

In the u/15 category, Impala netball team claimed first place, followed by Junior Dynamites in second, Delford in third, and Sealene in fourth.

In a very touching and loving gesture, the Impala netball team gave away their gold medals to the fourth-placed Sealene team. “We are giving them our medals to show our love and support, and to encourage them to strengthen and develop their team,” said Ayonda Ceko, the team manager.

The u/15 Impala coach, Ruth Mkhatshwa, expressed gratitude for the victory.

“We are extremely grateful for winning the tournament. It was a very challenging competition, but by the grace of God, we succeeded. I was concerned during the first round, as the players appeared nervous, but they bounced back strongly in the second round. I would also like to thank our players for representing us so well and our team for their continued support,” she said.

In the over 15 categories, the Senior Dynamites secured first place, followed by Phomolong in second, Delford in third, and Ditlou Netball team in fourth.

“We are delighted to have won the tournament. We would like to encourage others to participate in netball, as the main goal is not solely to win, but to promote the sport and help it grow. We also urge young children to engage in netball games as a positive activity to keep them away from the streets,” said Nhlamulo Nyalungu, the Senior Dynamites coach.

The tournament was coordinated by Thomas Ceko, a representative trustee of the Leolo Community Trust, who thanked all involved for their contributions. “I would like to thank the chairperson of Leolo, all the representative trustees, and the administrative staff for making this tournament possible.

“I also extend my gratitude to the team managers, coaches, and players that participated. We are grateful to the Mashishimale Tribal Authority for welcoming us, and to everyone who supported the tournament,” he concluded.