Netball in South Africa is gaining momentum and townships are picking up the vibe.
Joburg Sport and Recreation is pleased about the support given to netball tournaments that were held this weekend in Soweto.
Tournaments were running simultaneously at two venues, Elkah Sport Complex and Klipspruit Sport Complex. The gist behind the split was to give players enough playing time and accommodate different age groups.
Klipspruit hosted the Thando Thabethe while the Queens were at Elkah.
The Thando Thabethe netball tournament, themed “Standing Up for Girls”, was meant to raise R300 000.
“The funds will be used to empower the girl-child. I really believe that Women’s Day is all about empowering young girls to believe that they can grow up to become incredible women and that their dreams are valid.
“It is important for young girls to have that sort of energy and attitude instilled in them in their early stages of their lives,” said Thando when asked why she continues to organise the annual tournament.
This tournament attracted many TV and radio personalities who on arrival were cheered by loud fans. They curtain raised for the final game. When these celebrities were passing the ball to each other and scoring, spectators screamed with excitement.
A brilliant player, 26-year-old Tsholofelo Masheng, who is also a Chartered Accountant, played an amazing game and hugely influenced her team, the Oldees, to win. “The experience was great. It was so nice at least we got to meet people from different places,” said Masheng.
Although the Elkah Sport Complex tournament was dominated by an elderly generation that did not disappoint. The old guard was there in numbers. This included Ivy Tladi, who during her prime, was the most-loved netball player in Soweto.
In discussions they were all adamant that there is great future for netball in South Africa. Surely that cannot be questioned after superb play by the Proteas at the recent Netball Word Cup in Liverpool, England.
“The City of Johannesburg Sport and Recreation is proud to be associated with all who are prepared to advance active and healthy living lifestyle programmes that fit into the departmental deliverables,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee Community Development Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba.
