Speaker’s tournament - Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, through its speaker Fikile Xasa, donates soccer kits to rural teams in Dutywa, Eastern Cape
31 Jan 2012
The Community of Dutywa received a major boost during the weekend when two local soccer clubs received full soccer kits from the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature Speaker, Mr Fikile Xasa. The soccer kits were handed over to the two clubs, Bhongweni United and FC Nantez on Sunday, 29 January after they beat their opponents.
The tournament was held at Dosi location in Dutywa and saw eight teams participating. The teams were: FC Nantez, New Canada United, Govan Mbeki FC, Bhongweni United, Hungry Lions FC, Young Strikers FC, Fair View Stars FC and Colosa Eleven. Only four teams went through to the semi-finals, these include: New Canada United, Bhongweni United, Hungry Lions FC and Fair View Stars; and the final was between Hungry Lions FC and Bhongweni United.
With the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature Speaker in attendance, community members came in numbers to witness the first tournament of this magnitude. Bhongweni united won the game by 2-0 clean sweep and it won the first kit and Hungry Lions was compensated with a R500 prize.
It was suggested in the tournament that two teams from Doti (FC Nantez and Young Strikers) location compete for the second kit and FC Nantez won the match by 3-1.
The primary aim of the tournament according to the Speaker of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature was to revive the spirit of amateur football; hence the matches were played on a rough, dusty stadium where there were no grand stands. “The event looked at reducing crime in the Dutywa area and surrounding locations. The event also gave unemployed people an opportunity to sell food and beverages earning themselves an income” said Xasa.
Mr Xasa understands that there is still a lot to be done to develop sport in rural areas; hence he will be communicating with the Provincial Department of Sport. “Our roles as the Legislature is to oversight these departments and make them account where there is a need,” added Xasa.
Mr Xasa emphasized the importance of youth participation in Sport at schools level. “As a teacher myself, I know the only institution that can help us improve youth participation in sport schools. Schools need to develop soccer to ensure football has a sound footing,” said Xasa. Bhongweni United FC Captain, Siphe Ntamo said the kit brought joy and hope to them because they have been trying to fundraise for a new kit in vain.
“We are very grateful for what the Speaker of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature has done for us and we will wear this kit with pride and play the best football because we know that our government is watching us,” said Ntamo.
Enquiries:
Velisile Bukula
Cell: 083 989 4518
Issued by: Eastern Cape Provincial Government
31 Jan 2012
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