The Easter long weekend is well known for a number of informal sport tournaments held across the province. Games like rugby and soccer are very popular in rural areas and village teams compete against each other.
This tradition took a knock during the Covid-19 lockdown — but it has bounced back very quickly afterwards.
The tournaments are also used to lure the youth away from the multitude of social ills they face. These tournaments are also an opportunity for many of the young players here to show what they have.
Talent scouts also attend, looking for the next Makazole Mapimpi. The Springbok winger cut his rugby teeth in similar tournaments.
Participants are aware of the opportunities.
“These tournaments help developing young players so that they can get sponsorship for varsity and other academies for young ones so that the can get professional one day.”
“Games help us to stay away from drugs and alcohol and crime in tournaments like these you get bursaries to study further.”
The tournaments are organised with the bare basics in place. Event organiser, Lulama Mqhashane, wants more support.
“The challenge is that these facilities are not up to standard and we not getting assistance to improve the conditions.”
The winners at this tournament will walk away with R20 000. The organisers plan to expand the event with more sporting codes.
