Kwanzaa netball tournament lights up Brown’s Farm

Lonwabo Marele|Published 9 months ago

Celebrating teamwork and sportsmanship at Brown’s Farm. The Kwanzaa Netball Tournament was attended by clubs and enthusiasts from as far as Delft, Mfuleni, Samora Machel, Nyanga East, Marcus Garvey and New Crossroads. In commemoration of Youth Day on June 16, the teams played it out for top honours. Falcons Netball Club, Samora Machel, won the trophy. Sunrise Netball Club, from Delft, won silver, while Braves Netball Club, from Marcus Garvey, received third place. Pictures: Lonwabo Marele

Falcon Netball Club were crowned the winners of the Kwanzaa Netball Tournament, in Philippi, on Youth Day, Sunday June 16.

Nine junior netball teams from Delft, Mfuleni, Philippi, Nyanga, Marcus Garvey, New Crossroads and Samora Machel, took part in the tournament, hosted by Nosiphiwo Mbolambi, at Brown’s Farm.

Falcon’s took first place, with Sunrise finishing second and Braves receiving a bronze medal.

Mbolambi said the aim is to inspire young girls to participate in sport, while encouraging more netball teams to thrive in communities.

“I’ve been coaching for more than 12 years. I started the tournament in 2014 on June 16 in assistance by an organisation I worked for, Play Sport 4 Life. It was a netball and soccer tournament that started at Marcus Garvey, since we wanted to accommodate boys and girls. We have hosted the tournament at the Philipp Lahm Sports Ground in Philippi and this year it is at Brown’s Farm,” said Mbolambi.

“We want to change the image of June 16. We know how deep it is for many families. Today, we want young kids to bring back home medals and trophies,” she said.

Mbolambi said they are open to any form of assistance to grow the Kwanzaa Netball Tournament.

“We are looking for people that love to see good things happening to help us. We have teams that come from all over, including Samora Machel, New Crossroads and Delft.

“A lot of girls are involved in crime or drugs nowadays. I motivate these kids by going around looking for players to join local teams. It helps them to develop and it helps the sport to grow. We encourage parents to join their kids too,” she said.

For more information, contact Nosiphiwo Mbolambi on 073 290 5070 or email, mbolambinosiphiwo@gmail.com

Falcons Netball Club’s Emihle Limane, Esona Mcamba, Milisa Phetshana, Linozuko Mthekeli, Mandiluve Pani and Ella Angela Mabunda, helped their team to be crowned the champions of the Kwanzaa Netball Tournament.

Since its inception four years ago, the Kwanzaa Netball Tournament has been building champions on and off the court. Pictured, organiser, Nosiphiwo Mbolambi passes on the ball to Braves’ Siyamthanda Pokwane, from Marcus Garvey.

Sunrise Netball Club’s Isiphile Ngqoyiyana, from Delft, on the attack during the Kwanzaa Netball tournament in Philippi. Pictures: Lonwabo Marele

Sunrise Netball Club players ahead of a group stage match in the Kwanzaa Netball Tournament in Philippi at the weekend.

When the game brings more than just competition, Nkanyamba Netball Club supporters, Basetsana Tsetsana and Monelisa Spondo share a laugh.

From the court to the hoop, it's all in the wrist for Future United’s Isa Mbambo.

Young Dynamites were well represented on Youth Day. Coach Zimkhitha Tolana with Mandiluve Bango, Sanelisiwe Mpambani, Zikhona Nonyondla, Anovuyo Jibana, Anami Juwele, Asivuyise Teyise and Ayola Mtikitiki.

Lisakhanya Jordan setting up the attack for Future United during a group stage match at the Kwanzaa Netball Tournament.

Future United’s Lisakhanya Jordan with her eyes on the goal.

Falcon’s Phelokazi Damba stretching play wide with precision and power.

The inaugural Kwanzaa Netball Tournament took off in style at Brown’s Farm in Philippi on Sunday, June 16. Pictures: Lonwabo Marele