Athletes battle it out at local staduim

Masoyi’s local stadium came to life this past weekend with over eight soccer and netball teams battling it out for the trophy in the White River Technical College’s (WRTC) Fight Against Xenophobia Games coupled with a Father’s Day celebration.

The matches attracted a number of fans from around Masoyi, E-Game and surrounding areas who watched their fathers and brothers compete. It was indeed interesting to watch famous local radio DJs of Bushbuckridge, Kasi FM, and Ligwalagwala show their prowess on the soccer field.

Putting aside the normal duties of being behind the mic, lecturers of WRTC also displayed a bit of their skill in soccer and netball. Off-duty police officers of White River and Masoyi also showed their level of fitness on the field.

Speaking to jubilant fans, this paper learnt that they were looking forward to more entertaining weekends. “We are so happy being here, the games just remind us of our youthful times. Being here helped us a lot to forget all the worries and stress at home. We wish such events can take place every weekend,” said Maria Ngwenya and Thandi Lekhuleni.

“The theme of the games was to promote unity and celebrate being African. We also urge communities to live in peace and harmony with foreigners as we are all sons and daughters of Africa.

They took care and accommodated us and our soldiers in their countries during the apartheid era and we must do the same to them today,” explained Prof Daniel Fana Sibiya, director and founder of WRTC.

He added that his college remained the best in the province and now provided trade tests in electrical engineering, welding and boilermaking.”From 2014 we were accredited to do trade test for our students to become artisans. We also have a very strong team of committed, dedicated and hard-working lecturers who will help a dedicated and committed learner pass with flying colours and be employable,” added Sibiya.