By Nhlakanipho Mnqayi
Six players who participated in the Dr BV Mthethwa Mayoral Tournament, held at the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex within the Mfolozi Municipality, have secured a major opportunity.
The tournament, which began on Friday and concluded on Sunday, drew crowds of fans from uMfolozi and surrounding areas who turned out in large numbers to attend.
A key outcome of the tournament is that these players have signed contracts with Sekhukhune United FC and are set to begin training with the team this coming Wednesday. In addition to these six players, another 22 have been identified by the club for further development, with the aim of integrating them into the squad by January of next year.
“I am delighted that these games go beyond merely awarding prizes to teams and players; they provide opportunities for players to advance their careers and earn a livelihood. I urge local clubs, such as Milford FC and Richards Bay FC, to send their talent scouts to these games so they can identify promising players,” said uMfolozi Mayor, Mr. Xolani Bhengu.
In yesterday’s results, the Ward 1 team emerged victorious, walking away with R130,000; Ward 9 took second place, receiving R60,000; and Ward 10 finished third, securing R30,000.
In women’s football, Ward 5 claimed the top spot, winning R10, 000, Ward 3 took second place and received R5 000, while ward 6 finished third and received R3,000.
Players recognized as outstanding performers across the various sporting codes were each awarded R1,000.
In netball, the leading teams were Ward 10, which won R50,000; Ward 14, which took second place and received R20,000; and Ward 13, which finished third and received R10,000. It was not just about sports; emerging entrepreneurs also had the opportunity to trade and generate an income to support their livelihoods.
