MAYOR launches tournament to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and reduce the ever-rising levels of alcohol and drug abuse by young people.
Moretele Mayor George Manyike was excited about the initiative launched at Lebotloane Sports Complex in Lebotloane on Thursday, 1 May.
"We are handing over this facility from the municipality to the community. We are having this mayor's tournament, which involves all the wards in the municipality," Manyike said.
He said that 40 football teams and 40 netball teams for both girls and boys will participate in this tournament.
Manyike said the final will be at Carousel Sports Ground on 16 June 2025.
He said this would be an annual tournament.
"We are creating an atmosphere where youth will participate without fear and showcase their talent."
He said former Orlando Pirates player Edward "Magents" Motale is the ambassador.
Manyike further said he involved the Department of Art, Sports, and Culture as he aims to build a school of excellence in the villages.
"We want all the best players in the area to come and play football here. I started planning for this initiative in November last year. There will be prizes to be won."
The mayor said the ground has been working without proper handover to the community.
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He said the municipality spent almost R500 000 to build it 10 years ago.
North West Department of Art, Culture, Sports and Recreation chief director George Marindi said: "We welcome this initiative. Sports is one of the initiatives that, if we undertake, it brings joy to young people. A programme like this takes people from the streets."
He said tournaments like these produce players who can play for big teams such as Pirates.
Chief Sekhupi Nawa of Baphuting Ba Ga Nawa in Lebotlwane said: "This will help our kids not to be involved in nyaope. With this kind of ground, it will improve our football."
Chief Nawa is grateful to the mayor for handing over this ground to the community.
Pirates legend Motale said: "We want you to be successful and be a better someone. Otherwise, if you don't do the right things, you might end up in prison or underground."
He said that when a team loses, it's not the end of the world.
Gontse Modise (19), a striker of Matsatsantsa FC, said: "I'm happy about this tournament and to get guidance from football legends."
Priscilla Manyike (17), a goal defence player for Golden Eagles netball team, said: "I'm very happy to be playing in such a beautiful ground. I love to play for the national team."
