Mayor’s Cup a tsunami
Tsunami FC from the Greater Giyani Municipality are the 2019 champions of Mopani District Municipality’s Executive Mayor’s Cup, while Sisters FC from Greater Giyani Municipality are the female football champions.
The Executive Mayor’s Cup was held at the Giyani Stadium, but the day started with a 3-in-1 marathon at the new Masingita regional mall. MEC for Agriculture in Limpopo Basikopo Makamu was amongst the dignitaries in attendance, including all the five local mayors as well as former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Brian Baloyi.
Municipality, Councillor Matshidiso Mokgobi at the finish line, New Masingita Regional mall.
Speaking at the event, Executive Mayor Councillor Nkakareng Rakgoale said the Executive Mayor’s Cup was very important for building cohesive societies and promotion of healthy lifestyle.
“We have changed the format of this cup to encourage more community participation. We are making a contribution in terms of sport development in our district.” But most importantly is that we want more of our community members to start leading a healthy lifestyle by participating in sport activities. We have introduced the 3-in-1 marathon, starting with 5kms, 10kms and then 21kms. We want to urge all communities to be a part of these activities next year. Physical exercise is very important in preventing lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes,” she said.
Junior Maringa, a five-year-old boy from Greater Giyani Municipality surprised many when he completed his race.
The 21km open race was won by Timothy Munzhelele, with Bethuel Netshitenzhe on position two and Brian Maswanganyi on position three. Joel Malwandla won the 21km race for participants over 60 years.
The rampant Tsunami FC from Mavalani village defeated Foskor Callies from Ba-Phalaborwa municipality 4 – 0 in the Men’s Football final to walk home with R30 000 prize money, three set of soccer jerseys and a trophy. In setting up a showdown with Foskor Callies, Tsunami had earlier defeated Flying Birds from Greater Letaba Municipality with a score of 6 -0 and Makoti Young Fighters from Greater Tzaneen Municipality 4 –0.
The ladies football tournament was won by Sisters FC from the Greater Tzaneen Municipality after defeating Madeira Ladies 4 – 0. The team also received prize money of R30 000 and three sets of football kit, while the runners up got R20 000, playing kit and silver medals.
Real Mighty Girls got R10 000 and bronze medals for position three.
Nkowankowa City Ramblers from Greater Tzaneen Municipality are the 2019 Netball Champions after emerging first in a round robin challenge. They received R30 000 and two set of netball kits, while Majeje Netball club got R20 000 and two set of kit for position two, and Mighty Queens Netbal Club got R10 000 at position three.
