Sport brings Finsbury community together
A soccer and netball tournament hosted by Olerato Youth Development brought sport, health awareness and community spirit to Randfontein.
Olerato Youth Development, a local NPC, brought the community together through sport this past Saturday, March 7, by hosting a lively netball and soccer tournament in Finsbury.
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Both tournaments were initially scheduled to take place at the newly established Finsbury Sports Complex. However, due to unmaintained and uncut grass on the pitch, as well as poor drainage following rain the previous day, the soccer tournament had to be moved to the nearby old pitch.
The event drew teams and supporters from across Randfontein and surrounding areas, creating an energetic atmosphere as young athletes competed throughout the day. Both the netball and soccer matches showcased local talent, with players displaying skill, teamwork and determination on the courts and fields.
Organiser Puleng Radebe said the tournament was aimed at promoting youth development, encouraging healthy lifestyles and creating positive recreational opportunities for young people in the community. By bringing different teams together in a friendly yet competitive environment, the NPC hopes to strengthen community ties while nurturing sporting talent.
“We have roped in a health organisation called Pillar of Strength, which is based in Mohlakeng, to set up a health and wellness tent so that participants can check their health and get tested for various things,” said Puleng.
Reflecting on the overall turnout, Puleng expressed disappointment with the netball participation.
We had invited eight teams to the tournament, but only two arrived. However, the soccer teams showed up in their numbers, ready to set the ball rolling on the day’s event,” she said.
Diamond Divas and Club 23 FC claim top honours
In the only netball match played on the day, the Diamond Divas from Dan Tloome edged out the Finsbury Court Queens. The Divas walked away with new netball kits, bibs, netballs, training bags and other equipment for their team.
On the soccer pitch, after a highly anticipated tournament, Club 23 FC from Rietvallei emerged victorious. They defeated early tournament favourites Young Church Boys from Hillside in the final. The winning team received a new soccer kit as well as other essential equipment.
Parents, coaches and residents gathered in large numbers to support the players, cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines as the matches unfolded. The tournament also provided a platform for young athletes to gain experience and confidence while interacting with peers from other neighbourhoods.
According to Puleng, the success of the event highlights the important role community-driven initiatives play in keeping young people engaged in constructive activities.
She also expressed gratitude to the teams, volunteers and supporters who contributed to the success of the tournament, adding that similar sporting initiatives may be organised in the future to continue uplifting and empowering the youth of the West Rand.
