Picture (By Tshidiso Batlang): Queens park Rangers up against Pooks FC during Manokwane Annual Tournament recently
BY BAKANG MOKOTO
MANOKWANE Annual Soccer Tournament addresses socio-economic challenges across Taung. The Olehile Sport Club organisation secretary, Tlotlego Mokgalagadi said this sporting cliché sums up an attitude towards sport that is increasingly common around the area.
“The aim of this annual tournament is to ensure that we develop emerging players. Soccer has become such a major factor in everyday life. We have Top 8 soccer tournament, Top 4 Women Basketball and Netball tournaments. This annual event takes place every August. Sport enhances a person’s self‐discipline, hardiness and self‐sacrifice.
“Sport is often seen as a trivial aspect of life by academics. We have established the event back in 2012 and it has been running consecutively. The initiative also contributes to economic growth as many Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) owners come over and trade their craft. People in Taung and its neighbourhoods flock to a two day event,” Mokgalagadi said.
He added that even though there are many challenges like lack of sponsorship, they will find their niche soon. Mokgalagadi urged all stakeholders to come on board and invest in the initiative.
“Sport has become so pervasive in Taung society. This is also a platform for local players to showcase their aptitudes. We invite scouts and more devoted players find their break-through during the event. We have eight participating teams in soccer and the winning team scoops R10 000. The finalist gets R4 000 and joining fee is R1000.
“In Basketball, we only have four participating teams. We have women teams thus far and same applies to netball. The winner scoops R5 500 in both basketball and netball. The finalists get R1500 each. Sport is imperative as it strengthen your mind and also ensure that you live healthy lifestyle,” he said.
The organisation has also structured similar games in December. Lokaleng village-based team, Pooks Football Club won the soccer tournament after walloping Manthe village team, Mighty Boys 5-4 after penalties.
Mokgalagadi applauded all teams that performed at the tournament. He further said Taung has abundance of talent that need to be exposed.
“We have seen artistic performance from various teams. Even though Taung is predominantly rural, we have faith that one day we will make our mark in the world of football. Sport can create or support nation building and generates sportsmanship.
“It can also support nation building by providing Infrastructure for the economy. We have seen it before where sport was used to bring tranquillity in various countries. Sport speaks all languages and brings people of different races, cultures and ethnics from all over the world together,” he concludes.
The Guardian 