Mankweng soccer players complete initiation

POLOKWANE – Two soccer players from the Makakanka Rekaofela Soccer Club in Mankweng, Petrus Malatji and the team captain, Neo Masenya formed part of the 1 386 initiates that completed the 2023 initiation school programme at the Dikgale area from June 15 to July 15.

Solly Malatsi, the owner of the club said participating in the programme has definite benefits for players.

“Initiation schools are an important part of our culture and tradition as Bapedi people and we embrace that fully. It’s an important rite of passage for these youngsters, and something that will empower them with the resilience, hard work, humility and respect they need to succeed in sport and life in general. We celebrate their graduation and congratulate Sesele Makgaba for another successful graduation where all initiates returned home safe and healthy.”

Malesela Dikgale, the chief of Dikgale Tribal Authority thanked Makgaba for conducting a successful initiation programme.

“We had young men from the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Gauteng who left their provinces to come here to participate in the initiation programme. This speaks to our credibility, and we delivered a successful programme. The boys’ parents were happy to welcome them home. It was important for them to participate in the programme so that they know their culture and history.”

He said during the programme they advised boys to refrain from social ills, and to respect everyone in their communities.

“We told them to respect women and children and to never lay a hand on them. They must not get involved in drugs, but live a clean life. That is our advice.”