Clr Sizwe Mathebula brings community together for Mandela Day soccer tournament

Ntaks FC became the champions of the tournament, beating Mgewana FC, and Tiger Boys FC.

July 24, 2025

Lindokuhle Ndhlovu 1 minute read

Clr Sizwe Mathebula and Bonginkosi Shabangu at Mgewana sports ground. — Clr Sizwe Mathebula and Bonginkosi Shabangu. Photo: Lindokuhle Ndhlovu.

Mgewana Sports Ground was buzzing with fun as the community, young and old, came together to celebrate Mandela Day in the name of sport.

On July 19, ward 17 councillor, Clr Sizwe Mathebula, hosted a soccer tournament at the sports ground to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy of unity.

“As we all know that the old man believed in sport, I decided to bring the community together to honour him through what he believed in,” he said.

Clr Mathebula added that they have also noticed that there is under development in the area and young people need to be assisted in terms of sports equipment and facilities, and that is why they are trying to assist.

Three teams that included the Ntaks FC, Mgewana FC, and Tiger Boys FC, participated, and though Ntaks FC was crowned the winner of the tournament, all three were given soccer kits, medals, and cups.

Bonginkosi Shabangu, Provincial executive member of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Mpumalanga said, “This tournament was hosted to ensure that young people interact in social cohesion and furthermore they must participate in sport activities.”

Regional chairperson of the ANCYL in Nkangala, Jafta Mosotho, stepped in and emphasised the importance of hosting such tournaments.

“We really thank the ward councillor who made sure that the tournament becomes a success. We must continue making sure that such programmes continue and that young people gather together and forge a way forward,” he said.

Clr Mathebula assured that the tournament was not an end but the beginning of many to come.