KwaThema – The Defy Ekurhuleni Games 2018 started with great enthusiasm from participating teams on December 16.
The first soccer matches for the u-13s, u-15s, Ladies Seniors and Mens Open, were played at the KwaThema Sports Complex.
Parents and fans flocked all the pitches to see young talent display skills during the Nelson Mandela Centenary Commemoration.
Some of the dignitaries and legends were spotted during the games. They included soccer legends such Fani Madida, Teenage Dladla, Musa Nyatama, Zebulon Nhlapo, Innocent Mayoyo, among others.
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“The games were one of the most successful events Ekurhuleni has ever experienced in a long time and they were broadcast by Supersport who are partners,” says Pule Malefane, founder of the Defy games.
Games spokesperson Seth Twala said: “We are delighted to our sponsors Defy, Turkish Airlines, Galela Communications, TYM Investments, Ekhaya Shopping Centre, Ekurhuleni Metro Council and Carnival City, for being our partners and for making this brand grow.
We wish to thank the participants and the community for contributing to staging such an incident-free spectacle. This shows our community have been longing for something like this.”
Twala continued: “We are optimistic that this will be one of the best events in the country. We look forward to a bigger and better event in 2019.”
The games organising committee honoured some of the legends who dedicated their time and efforts to developing young talent in our communities.
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis was honoured for taking the squad to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Also honoured were sensei Edward Mtshali, coach Zenzile Nhlapo, boxing legend Johannes “Young Clay” Dladla, former Orlando Pirates player, Milton Nkosi and Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko. Mazibuko is the president of the South African Schools Football Association.
The following teams were congratulated for being crowned champions: Sibiya FC, R120 000 and a trophy, Mens Seniors; Nicko Taurus Ladies, R12 000 and a trophy (ladies Seniors); Ace Auto Ayoba Academy, u-15 and u-13 categories.
There were 20 boxing bouts held with 10 winners receiving trophies and medals.