Local clubs receive a much-needed sporting boost

Sports development in the province received a generous donation of playing attire and equipment last Thursday from the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation.

Sporting codes that benefited included athletics, boxing, basketball, football and netball.

Addressing the beneficiaries at the Archives Building, director of sports for the department, Hajira Skaal said the donations would serve as a motivation to the beneficiaries.

She further encouraged the clubs to apply for funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, as government would no longer continue to assist them.

“You will not remain develop-mental forever. You need to grow as clubs to a stage where you are able to sustain yourself. Use our office to apply for the funds made available by the National Lottery,” said Skaal.

The clubs that benefited from the donations said the new kit would inspire them to excel in their various codes.

Lucky Motha from Bushbuckridge Academy said his team were still utilising their old kit.

“We will now look smart and formal in our new kit. Hopefully, this will serve as a motivation for the boys to be unstoppable in each and every game they play,” said Motha, whose team compete in the Bushbuckridge Local Football Association.

“The boys will be more motivated now. Hopefully, the next Bafana Bafana star will be produced from this team,” Motha said.