INDWE- Thirty-six teams from across the Chris Hani District converged on Indwe for the Gcinabantu Hutchison Ngcukayitobi Foundation’s(GNHF) three-day youth sports tournament, which concluded on 28th June with football and netball finals and a prize-giving ceremony.
The annual tournament featured 24 football teams and 12 netball teams, attracting players and supporters from several towns and villages the area.
In the football competition, 1860 Munich FC of Komani emerged as champions, walking away with R20,000 in prize money, gold medals a trophy and a full playing kit. The runners-up received R10,000, while the third-placed team earned R5,000.
The netball title went to Vutha Netball Club of Mthatha whose captain Nikitha Jama, described the victory as a proud achievement for the team.
“We appreciate the win and we are happy with how things turned out,” Jama said.
Foundation chairperson Brenda Ngcukayitobi said the organisation was pleased with the success of the tournament and looked forward to hosting an even bigger event next year.
“We are happy with the outcome and we are definitely coming back next year,” Ngcukayitobi said.
Community members welcomed the initiative, saying it keeps young people actively involved in sport while creating positive opportunities.
Nolitha Goba, a parent from Lupapasi said the tournament played an important role in steering young people away from social ills.
“Tournaments like this help with taking kids off the streets and we would love to see these tournaments from time to time,” Goba said.
For the football champions, the road to victory was not without challenges. Coach Zuko Mlungu of 1860 Munich FC said financial difficulties and transport delays nearly prevented his side from taking part.
“To make it to the tournament was hard because we did not have enough funds. We are from Komani and we almost did not play because we arrived late,” Mlungu said.
He said lifting the trophy would provide a major boost ahead of the new season.
“The win means a lot because it will help with the next season and it is a great motivation for the kids to be able to win in a new environment,” he said.
The Gcinabantu Hutchison Ngcukayitobi Foundation said it intends to expand the tournament in future by increasing support for participating teams and creating more opportunities for young athletes across the Eastern Cape.
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