Sporting action at Macambini
The annual event hosted by Tongaat Hulett in partnership with Simamisa and the Macambini Tribal Authority aims to encourage sport and recreation in rural areas
THERE was nail-biting matches and patriotic cheers from thousands of spectators at the sixth Macambini Sports Day.
The annual event hosted by Tongaat Hulett in partnership with Simamisa and the Macambini Tribal Authority aims to encourage sport and recreation in rural areas.
In 2012, the partnership invested R1.1-million towards the renovation of the sports ground in the area and the Macambini Sports Day was launched to be held annually on Youth Day.
‘We believe sport and recreation play a critical role in youth development and provide confidence to those who have self-esteem problems, thereby helping them to establish a sense of purpose in life,’ said Nkonzo Mhlongo, Tongaat Hulett Socio-economic Development Manager.
‘Sports and recreation have also enabled youth and their families to break the cycle of poverty as youngsters are given opportunities to pursue the sport professionally at a national or international level.’
Mhlongo said sport is one of the best ways in which the youth can be kept engaged so as to steer them away from activities that could compromise a healthy future.
Results
The girls U13 netball tournament was won by Macambini Primary School who beat Nkuzemalunda Primary School 13-3 in the final.
In the U13 boys soccer Macambini Primary School posted a 2-1 win over Nkunzemalunda Primary School in the final.
Curtain raiser games between Mathubesizwe FET and Sikhuthele High School saw an 18-0 win for Mathubesizwe in the netball match and the soccer team of Owen Sitole College of Agriculture beat Junior Aces FC 1-0.
The Amatikulu High School netball team proved to strong for Mathubesizwe FET who were beaten 15-8 in the final.
Isinyabusi Technical School took the soccer title after beating Mathubesizwe FET 1-0.
In attendance was Golden Arrows coach, Mandla Ncikazi who had identified several players with potential to perform professionally.
Among those identified were Vukile Mahumane, Simphiwe Sithole and Bhekani Shongwe all from Isinyabusi
Technical School, Sibusiso Khumalo from Mathubesizwe FET, and Andile Ndlovu and Mpilenhle Maphanga both from Junior Aces FC.
The Macambini Tribal Council has, for the first time, encouraged local primary schools and high schools to participate as part of a learning platform for schools to showcase their sporting talent.
Promoting healthy living
Siphiwe Ndlovu, a member of the Macambini Tribal Authority, said: ‘Macambini Sports Day was established for a good cause – to make the youth in the community understand the importance of obtaining a quality education, irrespective of the challenges endured while growing up.
‘Education and respect are the foundations for a bright future. Youngsters must be aware of the challenges at bay and how not to be a statistic of social ills.’
Striker, goal keeper and ardent participant in the Macambini Sports Day, Sphelele Magubane, was thrilled to officially sign a contract with Golden Arrows.
Ndlovu said he was most grateful for the support showered upon the youth in the community.
‘Tongaat Hulett amazed us by providing professional coaches to train the youth, which made the event a resounding success,’ he said.
On the guest list were Inkosi Mathaba of the Macambini Traditional Council, representatives from Mandeni Municipality and senior management from the Owen Sitole College of Agriculture.
