It was an exciting day for the people of KSD, as they got the opportunity to see the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 trophy for the first time in history. The trophy touched Mthatha grounds on Friday, June 30, 2023, after travelling from Mount Frere under Umzimvubu Local Municipality in the Alfred Nzo District. This was part of the Eastern Cape trophy tour leg, as it is touring all nine provinces of the country with mascot Letsatsi creating hype for the World Cup tournament.
Sport enthusiasts and community at large gathered at the Walter Sisulu University stadium to witness this historic occasion. Local schools including eFata Special School, Khanyisa High School and many more played netball games showcasing their talents.
In his remarks Executive Mayor expressed his appreciation and delight for KSD being part of the tour and receive the trophy.
“To us it means a lot,” he said, “as the netball is the second leading after football in sports code, in this region, be it at schools or villages.”
The event, he continued, is significant to the OR Tambo and KSD communities because it serves as a reminder of the tragic death of four OR Tambo district netball players, including their coach, on December 5, 2021, while traveling to Cape Town for a national championship tournament. It is crucial that we remember them and dedicate this occasion to them, he continued.
“The world cup is coming to Africa for the first time, not just to South Africa, and being a part of the trophy tour gives us optimism that in the future OR Tambo players will be part of the national netball squad. Spar Proteas, we are completely behind you and wish you the best,” he said.
Cecilia Molokwane, the president of netball, stated that the tragedy that claimed the lives of the netball players must not be the end and that we must work together to improve the lives of the young girls. Because most netball players come from underprivileged backgrounds, she appreciated the efforts the department is doing to help the teams. “Those kits and balls mean a lot to netball clubs,” she added. She urged everyone to support the national team because it would give them the confidence to play more courageously.
In closing, the MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Miss Nonceba Kontsiwe handed over the sport equipment to more than 20 sporting clubs.
She indicated that the Department ensures that sport is supported by providing teams with sport equipment, kits and sport regalia.
“By providing this support we encourage you to continue playing as sport instils discipline on children and youth units and it is also promote a healthy lifestyle” she further urged parents to support their kids who are playing sport for those are the stars of tomorrow.” She added saying “we want you to pay and encourage others to join sport as well. Play as if there is no tomorrow and remember that one of you will one day be a member of the Spar Proteas Netball Team.
The Netball World Cup 2023 tournament will be held in Cape Town South Africa from the 28th of July to the 6th of August 2023.
