Residents of the remote Muswodi Dipeni and neighbouring rural villages in the Niani area had a fun-filled day on Saturday, 8 July, during the annual Murida Properties Tournament, where teams battled it out on the soccer field and netball courts at the local Muswodi Dipeni Happy Fighters grounds.
The tournament, which is the brainchild of the Mveledziso Support Group, a local non-profit organisation aimed at mitigating the abuse of alcohol and drugs among the youth, drew a huge crowd.
In the soccer division, Tshisimani Top Challengers FC won the tournament and went home with R1,500 in cash, a trophy, soccer ball, and gold medals. The runners-up, Muswodi Happy Fighters, received R1,000 in cash and silver medals.
In the netball division, Tshisimani Hot Eagles were crowned the champions and received R1,170 cash and a new ball, while the runners-up, Muswodi Supper Star, received R500 for their efforts.
The tournament's spokesperson, Mr. Takalani Matsilele, said the sports event had been started in 2022 as part of the launch of the Real Man Foundation's new branch. "We at Mveledziso Support Group have come to realize that many of our youths in the Niani area get wasted - not of their free will but due to the lack of leisure activities. We grouped them together and initiated projects for them, like farming, and also started to involve them in sports activities. This seems to be working, and many are off the streets and engaging in meaningful activities," he said.
Matsilele thanked the local traditional leader, the community, and the sponsor of the tournament, Mr. Khakhathi Tshisikule of Murida Properties, for making the event a resounding success.
Tshisikule, who is a well-known reggae musician, businessman, and politician, said he was humbled when the community requested him to sponsor the tournament. "When the request came, I did not think twice but decided right there that it was the right time to plough back and say thank you to my fans and clients for the overwhelming support over the years. As a company, we were impressed by the turnout and discipline shown, and we will continue to support this initiative," he said.
Mveledziso Support Group will also host a 5km marathon on 9 August, with cash prizes for the winners. For more information, contact Matsilele on 063 298 7757.