Siphelele Nketo 

THE rural community of Matyeni in KwaBhaca was alive with action last weekend when football and netball teams battled for prizes during a soccer and netball tournament.

Hosted by Desire FC, the tournament was aimed to promote sport, fight against crime, empower the youth and also build discipline in young people. Organiser William Mpisane said that the initiative was launched in 2022 with six teams participating.

He was pleased with this year’s support, saying that eight netball teams participated, as well as 12 soccer teams.

“In 2023, 14 teams participated, and the number went up to 16 in 2024. In 2025, the number increased to 22,” he said, adding that the start of the new school term could have resulted in this year’s fall of participants.

He said the tournament is normally hosted in July to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Desire FC won the first prize and walked away with a trophy, prize money, soccer kit, a ball and medals. The second place was won by Homeland FC who also received a soccer kit, a ball, prize money and medals, while Black Parents FC won prize money, a ball and medals in third place.

In netball, Diamond netball team won first position coupled with a trophy, prize money, medals as well as a netball kit. However, the Diamond netball team donated the kit towards the Mhlola netball team who came in third position.

The Master Peace netball team won second place.

Footballer Lizalise Kala won Goal Keeper of the Tournament and Oyama Ndabambi won Player of the Tournament. Netball player Emihle Mvu of Diamond netball team won Best Shooter.