Former Banyana star hosts successful tournament

Hundreds of sports lovers attended the Evah Mokwape Foundation games celebration mini-tournament on Saturday.

The tournament was held at the Stanza Bopape sports grounds and participants had a choice of women’s soccer, netball, tennis, equestrian and aerobics.

The tournament is the brainchild of former Banyana Banyana vice-captain Evah Mokwape.

Mokwape said the tournament aims to give back to the community of Mamelodi and surrounding areas.

Mokwape, now the kit manager for Banyana Banyana, said the tournament is an annual event held in celebration of Women’s Day but due to the Women’s Soccer World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, it was postponed by a month to September 9.

“The tournament aims to get ladies to participate in various sports,” said Mokwape.

The winners received trophies, playing kits and medals.

“I was thinking of not hosting the tournament this year, but with the high demand and people getting used to the tournament, residents of Mamelodi and local ladies’ sports teams requested it although August had already passed.”

Mokwape sponsors the annual event out of her own pocket but was grateful that companies like MTN, Sil Foods, Miller Risk Management and Tupla Events came on board to help her in various ways.

She said the event would not have been possible without the help of the Mamelodi local football association and the Tshwane metro.

“The tournament is a way of encouraging young ladies to actively participate in sports and keep away from negative matters like drug abuse and teenage pregnancies.

“I am doing this event for the sake of the youth as I believe that they are the future leaders. I also urge those who are not participating to come and watch the games and maybe soon they will also develop an interest in sport and choose one that suits them,” said Mokwape.

As was expected, the community came in their numbers to support the tournament.

“Their presence is an encouragement for our foundation to keep on doing what we do in promoting sports among young women,” said Mokwape.

She said the foundation is also looking after needy youth with food, bursaries and psychological counselling.

Event administrator Mavis Baloyi said, “I am happy that I can lend a helping hand for the benefit of young women in our community”.

“It is heartening to see that young women are eager to take part in sports and become future stars,” she said.

The Tukkies Ladies team coach Petrus Malobola said the event was a good opportunity for young women to showcase their talent to the community.

Malobola, who has been involved as a coach for youth teams for many years, said it was time women’s sports were also taken as seriously as men’s.

He has guided stars like Hilda Makgaila, Relebogile Phala and Lehlohonolo Mashego.

“Today these ladies are household names and recognised nationally as good soccer players,” said Malobola.

Mokwape said she started the foundation in 2017 to help young stars in different sports as well as assist the community with the social issues they face daily.

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