The Executive Mayor of Msukaligwa Municipality, Mr M.S. Nkosi, wished three Ithafa Secondary School learners a safe travel, giving them a blessed send-off as they embark on a journey to France and Mexico to participate in frontball tournaments set to take place this month.
Nokwazi Motha, Nothando Nkambule and Collen Maseko will be jetting off to represent Ermelo, Mpumalanga and South Africa in a tournament with teams from Zambia, the USA, Mexico, Germany and the host, France.
Sfiso Gumbi recently returned from France where he was crowned champion.
Frontball is relatively new and is quickly becoming a recognised sport, played with a hard ball hit against a wall by hand.
The Frontball Federation situated in France has a development arm called Open Walls Academy, aimed at reaching vulnerable children who struggle to access sport.
This led them to joining forces with Children of the Dawn to train children at the Qwaqwa and Ermelo centres.
The four learners are beneficiaries of the programmes where they shine in a new way, learn discipline and skills, while staying off the streets.
Mr Nkosi wished the learners well, praising them for their courage and determination despite odds stacked against them.
He mentioned other Ermelo residents who have gone down the same path, encouraging them to come back with trophies, medals and most importantly, personal achievements.
“You are an example to your school mates and the community. You go with many blessings from us here in Msukaligwa, the province and the whole country. Safe travels,” said Mr Nkosi.
Deputy principal of Ithafa Secondary School, Mr T. Shongwe, echoed the mayor’s words, adding as a school they were proud, thanking Children of the Dawn’s Mr T. Zulu for their hard work.
Nokwazi and Nothando left for France on Saturday while Collen will depart for Mexico on 15 July.
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