NOLUVO MGIJIMA
COMMUNITY members of Matyeni in KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) participated in sports and wellness activities last Sunday, July 27.
This was part of celebrating the legacy of Nelson Mandela during the month of July, set aside to embrace Nelson Mandela’s life. This gave everyone the opportunity to heed the call to action and recognise their individual power to make a change.
The community supported by local resident William Mpisane, organised football and netball games to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela and also to promote healthy living.
Mpisane identified the need to celebrate the icon through sports activities. He said he wanted the community, especially young people, to be actively involved in sport and cited the impact of sport in shaping the future of young people and communities.
“When young people are actively involved in sport, crime decreases. Some youths turn to substance abuse because they are not involved in important activities. Sport will give young people direction and purpose of life,” he said.
He added that young people need to be given something to do like sport so they can spend their time on the sports grounds practising and keeping their bodies healthy.
He said this will lessen the high crime rate in communities.
Mpisane said the tournament was a huge success with 19 football teams and 16 netball teams participating.
Desire FC won the soccer tournament after defeating United FC 4-3 during penalties. They received R1 500, a trophy and soccer kit. The netball team from Njinjini, Masterpiece, walked away with R1 000 in prize money and medals for winning first place.
Mpisane expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors and volunteers who made the event successful.
