The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture on the South Coast recently organised football and netball games at the Tatane Sports Field in Bhobhoyi.
One of the promoters of the event, Zinhle Ndimeni said that they wish to see women’s football develop in Bhobhoyi, and the establishment of a women’s football association.
Ndimeni said they want girls to end up playing at a high level, so that they can make a living from football.
“That’s why we organised football and basketball games. The girls who play here come from all over the region. The winners won trophies and jerseys for their teams,” said Ndimeni.
The local chief, Bonginkosi Cele said that they wish these games could continue in the area because there is a problem with alcohol among the youth.
“We have a problem here, girls are taking drugs, drinking alcohol at a young age and getting pregnant at a young age. We need games like this, to keep the children busy so that they are not idle, but something good that brings them together,” said Cele.
Induna yesizwe saKwaNdwalane, Sibunge Mazubane, said the youth should not take such initiatives lightly, saying that all those who are now playing at a professional level started at the bottom.
Meanwhile, the teams that participated in the games were from all four municipalities within the Ugu District (Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Umzumbe and Umuziwabantu).
The newly-elected councillor of Ward 23, Bheki Cele said they encourage the youth to play sports while focusing on their school work.
Also, Ward 20 councillor Xolani Gasa praised the initiative, saying that such programmes need to continue because women make a living from sports.
The last game was between Young Fighters and Siyabangena of Mthwalume. The Fighters won 6-0. They took home a trophy and a kit.
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