New equipment and attire boost clubs

A local side campaigning in the financially-burdened Umjindi local football association (Ulfa) received a major boost when the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation donated soccer attire and various other soccer-related equipment.

Now JT Stars owner, John Themba believes that the generosity by the department will encourage his side to win the Ulfa and qualify for the SAB Regional League next season.

Stars are solely managed by Themba from his own pocket. Competing in the Ulfa mean that the team, which operate without any financial sponsorships, will have its owner digging deep from his own pocket to pay fees for referees, transport fares to attend away matches and to buy soccer kit and balls and food for the players.

Though all 16-teams campaigning in the Ulfa pay an affiliation of R700 per season, they do not receive any incentives.

This makes it difficult for team owners to run their teams properly. The new sport attire and equipment will come in handy for an underprivileged side like Stars, who are based at Emjindini Trust.

“It’s so encouraging to have people like the department of sports who come on board to appreciate what we are doing. In our Ulfa, there are no incentives we are receiving, instead we are forking out money without return,” said Themba.

Various other clubs from the province also benefited from equipment during the handover at Barberton Town Hall on Saturday.

These include those participating in boxing, tennis, volleyball, cricket, netball, basketball, handball, hockey, gymnastics and swimming.

Leboa Mosia, director for sports, said the donations formed part of government’s plans to develop grassroots sport.

Another local club that received equipment is Sikhulile Mhola for Older Persons in Emjindini. The club caters for all elderly people from 60 upwards. Mathew Ngwenya, chairman, said there were no excuses for local older people not to engage in sports.

“The donation of this equipment will increase the number of participants. No one will sit down during our training sessions and do nothing because there are no resources,” said Ngwenya.

The elderly exercise every Tuesday and Thursday from 09:00 at Umjindi Indoor Sport Complex.