NOLUVO MGIJIMA

MBIZENI Sports Festival in the small town of Matatiele in the Eastern Cape brought local communities together while celebrating local talent.

The one-day event last Saturday, September 27, encouraged locals to participate in physical activities and provided a platform for young athletes to compete and connect.

Organiser Lungelo Mkhize said this kind of event was initiated seven years ago to celebrate diverse cultures and to allow locals to engage in healthy lifestyles by participating in running and playing football and netball.

He said Matatiele has different cultures and languages, and that led to the launch of this festival to allow locals to share their cultures, food, dance and music.
On that day, 15 soccer teams competed, as well as 12 netball teams. Ama 2k FC from Cedarville walked away with prize money of R5 000, a floating trophy, full kit, gold medals and a ball.
The Drakensberg netball team claimed first place and won R2 000, full kit, gold medals and a netball ball.