Category: Netball

by Ntokozo Simelane

Prestigious Netball World Cup Trophy received with fanfare.

The prestigious Vitality Netball World Cup trophy was received with so much fanfare when it arrived at the Ermelo Sanlam Center, Ermelo on Tuesday 6 June 2023.  Netball teams from the Gert Sibande Region mobilised their players to come witness the historic moment of having a World Cup trophy in their mist. The trophy was highly protected by security personnel from the SAPS VIP Protection unit. The MEC and other VIP politicians were not as highly guarded as the trophy, but people did not care to notice.

On arrival, the trophy was brought in a silver briefcase with black trimmings resembling the ones seen in crime films. We were told that nobody else is allowed to touch the trophy except for the President of Netball South Africa, Miss Cecilia Molokwane. The trophy is highly respected, the President has to wear white gloves every time she touches it. She proceeded to take out the trophy from the briefcase and put it inside a glass for public viewing. The people took pictures of the trophy with enthusiasm.

There were also important dignitaries from netball and government posing in front of the trophy. The trophy was unveiled by the President of Netball South Africa, Miss Cecilia Molokwane, alongside the Honorable MEC Thandi Shongwe of the Department of Culture, Sport & Recreation in Mpumalanga. The acting Executive Mayor of Msukaligwa Local Municipality was present alongside political leaders from the Gert Sibande District Municipality. The President Miss Molokwane spoke to members of the media which included us and Ligwa FM based in Ermelo.

Africa is the only continent with four (4) teams in the tournament and that tells you we have arrived as Africans, and we are taking it.

Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane placing the trophy down for public viewing at the Vitality Netball World Cup Trophy Tour in Ermelo. Only the champions will hold the trophy with bare hands.

Miss Molokwane said she was hopeful that the Proteas and the other African countries will do well at the World Cup next month. “We have the home crowd that will be cheering for the Proteas team, and we promise that we will not disappoint our fans.” The president asked the local supporters to also support the fellow African teams at the World Cup that include Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe. “I am rooting for the African countries to do well in the tournament. In 2019 at the World Cup the African teams finished in the top 8. I believe in Malawi and the She Cranes of Uganda. Africa is the only continent with four (4) teams in the tournament and that tells you we have arrived as Africans, and we are taking it. Look at Zimbabwe, they came from nowhere to reach the quarter finals.”

Letsatsi the official Netball World Cup 2023 mascot was also present at the tour. The name ‘Letsasti’ is a Sotho word which means the sun/day.

The MEC responsible for the Department of Culture, Sports & Recreation (DCSR) Thandi Shongwe said government is committed to the development of netball and fully support Proteas. She asked the Local Sport Councils to work with her provincial government in identifying areas that need sports infrastructure development. “The department is committed in supporting netball. We will continue to build netball courts to contribute to development of the sports. The Municipalities and Local Sport Councils must lead the processes of building sports infrastructure and come up with maintenance plans. This should help prevent building white elephants but usable infrastructure,” she concluded.

The Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 will be played on South Africa soil for the first time from the 28th of July 2023 to 6 August in Cape Town. Sixteen (16) teams will do battle for ten (10) days with the hope of becoming world champions. The games will be played in Cape Town but other cities like Durban will also get to host some of the matches.

by admin

Mlilo Combined School live up to their name in netball cup final: Too hot to handle!

The best netball talent was on display at the PG Bison Knockout Cup 2023 tournament at the Kempville Stadium playing court on Saturday 25 March 2023 in Mkhondo. Mlilo Combined School from Rustplaas, won their first trophy while producing breath-taking performances. They lived up to their name -means fire in isiZulu- by playing exciting fast netball which was literally fire to their opponents. They won by 15 to 10 against 2022 runners-up Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary in the final. A total of eight schools took part in the tournament featuring mostly secondary schools.

The Mkhondo Netball Association took charge of the netball tournament logistics. They facilitated the draw and fixtures, provided umpires and chose round robin plus knockout as the format of the netball tournament. The games were played in two halves of seven (7) minutes each. The court was in perfect shape. PG Bison paid for the renovation and painting of the playing court surface. The weather was cool with the sun occasionally appearing. The only heat came from the netball court. Mlilo Combined was hot as their name suggest at this year’s netball tournament. They started slowly in Group B against Inqubeko Secondary whom they beat 10-8 in the first match.

Nosipho Vilakazi of Amadlelo Aluhlaza was chosen as the best netball player of the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 at the prize giving was held at Kempville Stadium.

They met Amadlelo Aluhlaza in the second game and won 6-4, it was very close match. In the last group match they faced Kempsiding Combined beating them 12-3. Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary finished as runners up to Mlilo Combined in Group B. They won 13-0 against Kempsiding Combined and 12-5 against Inqubeko Secondary.

Group A was dominated by Ndlela Secondary School who were favourites and defending champions. Like Mlilo they won all their Group A matches to qualify for the semi-finals. They walloped Salem Combined 13-0 then beat PR Combined 7-3 and thrashed Ubuhlebuzile Secondary 7-3. They finished on top of group A scoring a total of 29 points in the process.

“As PG Bison we are delighted to be part of this a great tournament where girls showcase their netball talent. We will be here for more years to come if things keep like this.”

The first semi-final pitted defending champions Ndlela Secondary against Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary. Amadlelo triumphed over their rivals scoring 8 points to 4, knocking out the defending champions. They owned the tournament favorites tag on the way to the final. The 2022 runners up Ubuhlebuzile Secondary were looking at doing better this year. Unfortunately for them they had to go past the on form Mlilo Combined. The task proved to be too hot to handle for Ubuhlebuzile Secondary as Mlilo Secondary registered 24 against 8 on the scoresheet.

Ncamisile Nxumalo from Mlilo Combined won Best Shooter at the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 Netball prize giving held at Kempville Stadium.

The final between Mlilo Combined vs Amadlelo Aluhlaza produced some of the best netball matches to be seen in Mkhondo. Mlilo was just too hot and well-prepared for this final. Amadlelo Aluhlaza wanted the trophy by all means, they wanted to do better than the 4th place finish last year. The game was an end-to-end match. It was fast and exciting. Mlilo Combined School scored a total of 15 goals to Amadlelo Aluhlaza’s 10 to win the cup for the first time.

The champions walked away with a trophy, gold medals, 2 netball kits and R15 000 cash. The runners up Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary received silver medals, 2 netball kits and R10 000 cash. The 3rd place finishers Ndlela Secondary received bronze medals and R5000 cash. There were also individual prizes in the tournament. Ncamisile Nxumalo from Mlilo Combined won Best Shooter of The Tournament. The Defender of The Tournament was won by Palesa Nkambule who is doing grade 11 Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary. Grade 11 player pupil Nosipho Vilakazi of Amadlelo Aluhlaza was chosen as the best player of the tournament. It was the best sport tournament with great benefits to the clubs. The game was enjoyed by PG Bison executives and managers who watched the best talent on display from the side-lines of the court.

Palesa Nkambule won best defender at the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 Netball prize giving was held at Kempville Stadium.

The game found itself new fans who vowed that the tournament must continue. One of them was Communications Manager Miss Nombuso Mwelase. She was impressed by the standard of netball played by the girls. She said the girls played to tier netball and suggested that they must play a netball league. “I am really impressed by the way the girls play netball here. They do understand the rules and respect umpires. As PG Bison we are delighted to be part of this great tournament where girls showcase their netball talent. We will be here for more years to come if things keep like this.” she said.

Apart from the prizes won PG Bison also provided transport and brand-new playing attire for all participants. The fans at the stadium were also catered for in terms of food and drinks. There was also a VIP section for PG Bison management including guests. Kids played in jumping castles and received party packs as well. The safety in the stadium was guaranteed by security personnel who made sure intoxicated people were not let inside the stadium. It was a family affair which rewarded everyone, the clubs, players, referees, fans, commentators and community at large. A great contribution to the development of sports.

by admin

PG Bison Knockout Cup returns for the 2nd consecutive year.

The PG Bison Knockout Cup tournament is coming back for the 2nd time eMkhondo. The Mkhondo LFA executive committee members comprising of the Chairperson Mr Nhlanhla Mkhonza, 2nd Deputy Chairperson Mr Mduduzi Nkosi and Secretary Mr Ntokozo Simelane met with PG Bison Community Liaison officer Mr Nkosingiphile Hlatshwayo on Wednesday 8 March 2023.

The parties met at the PG Bison Community Liaison Office situated in Retief Street, Alfa Building, eMkhondo. The meeting was about the highly anticipated PG Bison Knockout Cup tournament to be held on the weekend of 25&26 March 2023 at the Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo The 2nd annual games will again feature eight (8) football clubs and eight (8) school netball teams. The meeting focused mainly on football, but Mr. Hlatshwayo mentioned that netball will be contested by schools under the guidance of Mr. Sibonelo Mkhwanazi, the Mkhondo Netball Association Chairperson. He sought input from the Mkhondo LFA on the criteria to be used to choose football clubs.

“We want our tournament to hold a certain standard.”

The Mkhondo LFA Chairperson Mr. Mkhonza first thanked Mr. Hlatshwayo and PG Bison for the respect given to the association by involving them at the early stages. “We would like to thank PG Bison for once more inviting the LFA to be part of this big sport event and also acknowledging the fact that we are the custodians of football in Mkhondo. We are grateful and promise to deliver another spectacular tournament.” The opening remarks of the Chairperson set the tone of the LFA towards this tournament. The tone silently said, “We are not letting go of this one. We are within.” The meeting continued very well occasionally touching base with last season’s tournament and what was to be improved depending on availability of funds, of course.

Mr. Hlatshwayo said there won’t be any changes even though the budget for the tournament will be thinner. “We obviously not going to decrease the cash prizes for the clubs but will keep it the same as last year. PG Bison will still provide playing attire to the clubs, transport to and from games plus catering for all participants,” he said. There will also be entertainment for kids with jumping castles and water slides provided that the weather favours us. PG Bison will also assist the Mkhondo Local Municipality by renovating the playing surface of the playing court inside the stadium where the netball games will take place. “We want our tournament to hold a certain standard,” said Mr. Hlatshwayo. Apart from the playing jerseys, catering and transport provided to clubs, the tournament carries a whooping R15 000 cash prize money for the champions in both football and netball.

The tournament is graced by the top management of PG Bison, one of the biggest companies in South Africa and biggest employer in Mkhondo. Seen here at last year’s edition is company CEO Mr. Gehard Victor and head of Human Capital & Stakeholder Relations Mr. Sibusiso Dlamini at the opening ceremony.

The Mkhondo LFA, as the custodian of all football activities, decided on the criteria for the eight (8) participating clubs. The association, which has eighty-five (85) affiliated clubs under its wing, decided on choosing all six (6) leaders of the current Mkhondo Promotion League 2022/23 season as the participants. The Promotion League is spread around the Mkhondo Local Municipality area jurisdiction. The other two teams will come from clubs that are very close to the PG Bison. They are also affiliated with the Mkhondo LFA. There are seven clubs in total, and they will have to play a preliminary knockout round to determine the two clubs to join the Promotion League leaders.

The seven (7) clubs to contest for the two spaces are: Ajax Sweepers FC &Arsenal Eagles FC both from Ajax, Goodwill Promising & India Kilo FC both from Maphepheni, Khumalo Stars FC from Rustplaas, Two For Joy FC from Hlalangenkani and Ward 6 Brazilians FC from Derby. The draw for the preliminary round has been set for 5pm on Monday 13 March 2023 at Masenkeni Stadium, Thandukukhanya.

The Mkhondo LFA said they will be looking for other stakeholders to sponsor a new league stream in the area of Ajax, Maphepheni, New Home, Rustplaas, Derby, Daliya, Witraand, Iswepe and Panbult. The challenge will be finding clubs willing to participate in league football as clubs that side are used to playing for money, not points. An establishment of a league will help the association in future to easily decide participants from the area closer to PG Bison.

by admin

PG Bison giving back to community is a huge boost towards sports development

Sports development received a huge boost with the launch of a new tournament catering for football and netball on Saturday 21 May 2022 at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo. The inaugural PG Bison Knockout Cup featured eight (8) football clubs and eight (8) netball teams made up of local schools over two days. The netball tournament played for one day while football played over two days.

PG Bison Executive for Human Capital& Stakeholder Relations Mr Sibusiso Dlamini opened the tournament by thanking the community of Mkhondo fo gracing the event. He introduced the top brass of PG Bison management which included the CEO of the company Mr Gerhard Victor. The top management of the company graced the tournament to show support and give surety that PG Bison will continue to support the community of Mkhondo.

This was echoed by Mr Dlamini,”We are happy to contribute to the development of Mkhondo not only in sports but other sectors as well. This tournament will be played annually here just like it has been played at our other facility at Ugie, Eastern Cape. To us this is not just a tournament but an important community engagement. We get to socialize with members of the community,” he said. The clubs and fans applauded the good news of having a new tournament added to the Mkhondo sports calendar.

“To us this is not just a tournament but an important community engagement. We get to socialize with members of the community”

Ndlela Secondary vs Ubuhlebuzile Secondary Schools met twice in the tournament. Ndlela won 14-8 in the group stages and 6-2 in the final to lift the first ever PG Bison Knockout Cup netball trophy.

The eight (8) netball teams were divided into groups A&B. Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary School finished on top of Group A followed by Mlilo Combined School. In Group B Ndlela Secondary School finished on top followed by Ubuhlebuzile Secondary School. The semi-finals had to be moved to PR Combined School court after the court at Kempville Stadium became unplayable due to slippery surface which was becoming dangerous to the players. In the 1st semi-final Ubuhlebuzile Secondary defeated Amadlelo Aluhlaza 5-4 to reach the final. Ndlela Secondary cruised into the final with an 11-6 win in the 2nd semi-final against Mlilo Combined School. In the final match Ndlela Secondary School claimed their first ever PG Bison Knockout Cup trophy with a 6-2 win over Ubuhlebuzile Secondary School and claimed the bragging rights of being Mkhondo netball champions.

In football Total Football United FC from Phola Park claimed the inaugural trophy by a 2-0 win over Kunene FC from kwaNgema in the final on Sunday 22 May 2022. The 1st goal came as early as the 4th minute when the defence was caught unaware. Total Football scored the second goal just minutes before half time to take the game to 2-0 at half time. Kunene FC tried to come back into the game in the 2nd half but their opponents’ defence was rock solid helped by player of the tournament Kwanele Mavuso (19) who kept a well-deserved clean sheet. The youngster also won goalkeeper of the tournament for his exploits. He conceded one goal in the quarter final match against Arsenal Eagles FC before saving his team on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Kwanele kept a clean sheet in the semi-final against Ajax Sweepers FC then saved three penalties to send his team to the final.

None of the clubs spent money to participate, if money was used it was to pay the muthi men.

Total Football United keeper Kwanele Mavuso (19) won goalkeeper and player of the tournament awards for his performance in the PG Bison Knockout Cup. The future star conceded one goal and saved penalties to send his team to the final.

The winners of each sport code received a whooping R15000 cash, a trophy with medals plus a brand new kit which they used in final game. Runners-up received R10000, a kit and silver medals. The 3rd placed teams (Mllo Combined School & India Kilo FC) received R5000 cash plus bronze medals. The finalists were the big winners as they both received brand new playing kit in addition to the kits they received at the start of the tournament. This was a different tournament and huge boost to the clubs. None of the clubs spent money to participate, if money was used it was to pay the muthi men. Clubs were transported and provided with food for the two days. Each club in both codes received brand new playing kits which they received on the eve of the tournament.

Mr Ntokozo Simelane representing both the Mkhondo Local Municipality and the Mkhondo Local Sport Council said he was grateful to the sponsors for supporting sports. He thanked the sponsors for a good tournament and spending time with the community watching the matches. “We are very blessed to be graced with thee top management of PG Bison. We are not used to having so many top brass at our tournaments, we are happy for they are here,” he said. He went on to ask other areas such as Rustplaas, Iswepe, Panbult, eNtombe etc. to join the Mkhondo Local Football Association to play League football. He said clubs will be able to be part of the annual tournament if they play league football.

by admin

Netball claims number 2 spot as most played sport in the region

Netball has rightfully claimed the number two (2) spot as the 2nd most played sport in the Mkhondo Local Municipality area jurisdiction. This was evidenced at the Mkhondo Netball League championship finale held at Thokozani Sport Centre, Thandukukhanya on Saturday 9 October 2021.

The netball governing body Mkhondo Netball Association made history with the record number of teams and matches that played in their 2021 calendar year. Apart from the occasional tournaments during the year, a total of 25 teams participated in the first ever Mkhondo Netball League which began at kwaNgema Trust, Mkhondo in May this year. The perseverance by members of the Mkhondo Netball Association paid off in a manner they themselves did not see coming. The league was launched with 10 teams but interest from other teams quickly grew the number of teams to 25. This led the association restart the league and introduce streams. Teams were divided into three streams/groups (A, B&C). The league matches were played at different venues including Lindelani Playing Courts at Saul Mkhizeville; Emoyeni Stadium, Amsterdam; Nohhemu Sport Grounds, Ngema Trust and at Thokozani Sport Centre in Thandukukhanya.

Rockstars Netball Club won the Stream ‘A’ championship which was made of the strongest teams including three male teams playing exhibition matches in the same group as the ladies. The champions defeated Black Mountain NC in the battle for first place while the 3rs place position was occupied by Commondale NC finished at 3rd place. At Stream B Troublemakers from Iswepe were crowned champions with 3rd place going to Libhaba NC from Commondale. The stream (C) containing the future of Mkhondo netball was won by DP Young Stars NC from Ajax. The runners up Real Stars NC also came from Ajax. The 3rd place position was occupied by the Commondale B team.

“As long as you continue playing beautiful like this the municipality will support all your activities,”

Mkhondo Netball League action from the final games held on Saturday 9 October 2021 at Thokozani Sport Center, Thandukhanya. Some matches were played by both male and females to assist with male teams development.

The prize giving was held immediately after the final matches. The office of executive Mayor of Mkhondo Hon. Cllr. Vusi Motha supported the games by providing the prizes which included playing attire, match balls, training equipment, trophies and medals.

The three male teams (Mkhondo, Libhaba & Commondale) played a supporting role at Stream A but were not included in the prize ceremony since they are still at development stage according to the organisers.

The association through the Chairperson Mr Sibonelo Shiba said they hope to have more male teams when the league resumes again next year. “We want to build on the success of our 2021 season and improve where we lack especially the male teams. We want to spread the netball league to faraway places of Mkhondo. Our challenge will be transport costs but we hope that other stakeholders will join the municipality to sponsor the league,” he said.