‘I have a dream’
"On the political turf and in the government sector, we are represented fairly because we had Archie Augustine and Ron Davies,"
Some might say I am daydreaming or I am imitating Martin Luther King Junior in his famous speech ‘I have a dream’ but today I will let the cat out of the bag about my ‘long-cherished dream’.
As a passionate Estcourtonian, I feel our small town is one of the greatest and most influential towns in the Midlands region. Estcourt has produced many big names and professionals who are in top professions, especially when it comes to sport.
To name a few that played in the top league, we have the Mather brothers, Enver of Islamic Butchery, Morgan of MP Panel beaters, Victus and Paul Mtshali, Darius Mtshali, Siqomo, Dice Dladla and the late Pat Sibisi and NF Mbhele, who was the first to play soccer in the NPSL for Abafana Besithende.
Not forgetting the Vilakazi brothers, Jli and Shoti. What about the terrible Mkhize brothers Mtsogo and Phumlani ‘BMX’ Mkhize, who played for both Chiefs and Bucs?
Who will forget Bongi Dubazane and Fred Manyoni of Manchester City fame? I need to remind the people of Estcourt about Khwezi Brother, Estcourt Tricobest alias Burlington Hosiery, Dangerous Farmers and Sokesimbone.
At Estcourt Secondary School were Mashu Mtshali, Mqothuka Zakwe and Bakhulule Moses. The late Cilo Nkabinde excelled. What about Stylish Mabaso who worked for RTI? Gone are the days. Our midfield maestros Darius Mtshali and Siqomu Mtshali are still alive and kicking. They both played for Thembi Aces.
Do you still remember Ish Mokoena and Bata Shabalala of Zokheni Fast Eleven?Nhlanhla Ndlovu and Khala Vi Zondo who played for Provincial Hospital, together with Mbazo?
On the political turf and in the government sector, we are represented fairly because we had Archie Augustine and Ron Davies, who went overseas to follow his career. Both the Augustine brothers are late, may their souls rest in peace.
However, to explain my dream, there are a handful of good people who deserve to be told ‘well done guys’ and officially recognised. Among those who must be recognised in none other than Caleb Mashigoane.
He gave so much to the development of soccer as well as choral music at Estcourt High, Mtshezi High, Wembezi High and Bonokuhle High schools. Not forgetting Lucky Lyd Zwane of AmaNtaliyane fame who played in the OK Vodacom League.
My biggest dream is to officially launch our annual awards for these heroes but financially I am not comfortable, thus I request ‘financial muscle‘ from local businesses around Estcourt to fulfil my dream. We need to form a sport committee to run this idea.
The aim of these awards is to pay respect to residents in various categories and officially honour them. So, the big guns must come on board. I would like to meet all stakeholders to sell my idea to them.
We have to form a special task team to oversee potential nominees and how we are going to thank them for contributing so much to our community.
I am open to new suggestions and ideas and the business sector who would like to come on board. Please email me on thubelihle@kzncogta.gov.za
Thanking you in advance for your contributions towards my ‘big dream’. God bless all Estcourtonians.
Sikhumbuzo Mkhize
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