Tournament gets Mjejane kids off the streets
Dust was flying across the Mjejane Sports Field opposite Hectorspruit during a sports tournament on Youth Day.
With an excellent commentator and avid fans on the sidelines, local youth participated in soccer, netball and volleyball matches, as well as indigenous games.
The previously uneven field had recently been levelled, but still proved quite a challenge to play on for the girls. Several lost their footing in the loose sand during a netball match but dusted themselves off and bravely continued.
PHOTOS: Mjejane youngsters celebrate Youth Day on the sports field
The youngsters showed great skill in the various sports, with the volleyball teams exhibiting great team spirit.
Organiser Simon Mabaso, who hosted similar events between 2014 and 2016, was incredibly grateful to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, the Nkomazi Sports Confederation and Nkomazi Local Municipality, as well as the local community, which partnered with him to make the day a success.
The winners in the various sports were given cash prizes, medals, trophies and even sports equipment to encourage them to continue to practise.
In the semi-finals, Young Tigers won 3-1 against the Police team and Zama Conquer beat Academiar 2-0.
Young Tigers United were named champions of the tournament after defeating Green Mamba 1-0. Goalkeeper of the tournament was August Hobjaune and Sbusiso Mudei was named player of the tournament. According to Mabaso, Mudei was truly a marvellous player to watch and added ever more excitement to the game.
In the u/16 finals Young Tigers United beat Malelane FC 2-0.
Mabaso stated that he hopes to host a Youth Day tournament each year. Events like these go a long way to encourage local youth to stay away from drug abuse, crime and avoid teenage pregnancy.
Local soccer players can be seen at the field most afternoons after school and receive coaching from local volunteers like Mabaso. Initiatives such as sports days and tournaments help keep children busy during school and public holidays, as there are few fun activities in their community during these times.
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The soccer field still needs some work and a fence would help contain particularly enthusiastic soccer games, where the ball bounces out of the field.
Mabaso thanks the people who have already contributed to these initiatives and invites anyone else who would like to assist to contact him on 076-508-0402 or simonmabaso72@gmail.com.
