In a bid to revive local netball development in Soweto, the African Badgers Sports Club in collaboration with the Department of Sports Arts and Culture launched the Annual Hostel Loxion Netball Tournament on Saturday, June 08 at Meadowlands.
The launch was attended by over 200 teenage ladies between the ages of 13 and 16 from acros Soweto.
Speaking to Urban News, African Badgers Sport Club Chairperson, Thando Khumalo said through sports, they hope to improve people’s mental health and raise coaches’ and athletes’ profiles.
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He said, “As a result of our successful efforts to improve society, we sincerely hope that the government would acknowledge us as trainers.
This tournament is less of a sporting club and more of a movement. People should be made aware of the excellent work that the local coaches are doing.
“We hope to provide young females with a platform to display their abilities through this contest. and as mentors, our goal is to help netball players develop the skills necessary for this sport.”
Khumalo further stated that although not every child is intellectually smart, some are gifted athletes and that the tournament’s goals are to identify local talent as well as help tackle social issues.
The tournament will be played by all Soweto-based netball teams that are interested.
Sithembiso Dlamini, a netball coach who attended the launch said the Annual Hostel Loxion Netball Tournament is one of the initiatives that Soweto people must embrace.
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“The fact that this tournament is taking place makes me extremely glad because, in most situations, it’s difficult to find tournaments for players under the ages of 13 and 16.
“Our ignorance has led us to undervalue the young girls’ netball division and prioritise the players who are older and playing in open.
“As a result, I believe that this tournament will create a momentum that will allow us to accommodate the younger netball players rather than only concentrating on one division, as I believe that development is more important.”
