The Matatiele Local Municipality recently celebrated its vibrant community spirit and athletic prowess with a resounding Mayoral Cup Awards Ceremony held at the Fresh Produce Market. This annual event showcases the municipality’s dedication to sports promotion, community engagement, and local talent development.
The Mayoral Cup, a cherished tradition, highlights the municipality’s commitment to nurturing local talent and encouraging youth participation in sports. This year’s program spanned all 27 wards of Matatiele, featuring competitive events in soccer and netball.
Matat Netball Club from Ward 02 emerged as the 2024 netball champions, while Ingwe TVET College from Ward 01 claimed the title of ladies’ soccer champions. Blue Arsenal from Ward 26 was crowned the champions in the general soccer category.
The ceremony also honored several local heroes for their significant contributions to sports, including Anele Zibi, Siyabonga Siphika, Princess Kanetsi, Zanele Situ, and Reabetsoe Rakoti. Reabetsoe Rakoti inspired the youth by urging them to stay disciplined and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
Mayor Councillor Sonwabile Mngenela emphasized the purpose of the Mayoral Cup, noting that the event not only showcased sports as a viable career path but also provided a vital platform for discovering and nurturing young talent. He highlighted the Cup’s role in redirecting young people’s focus towards sports, contributing to the promotion of a crime-free society.
The ceremony witnessed the active participation of key stakeholders, including the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, along with sports organizations such as SAFA and Netball SA. Their involvement underscored the broader significance of the Cup in the sporting community.
Held against the vibrant backdrop of the Fresh Produce Market, the Mayoral Cup Awards Ceremony was an afternoon filled with celebration, recognition, and community spirit. The event highlighted the remarkable achievements of local athletes and underscored the strong sense of pride and unity within the Matatiele community.
Residents, supporters, and sports enthusiasts turned out in full force, making the ceremony a fitting culmination of the year’s sporting excellence. The success of the Mayoral Cup reaffirms the Matatiele Local Municipality’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and promoting local sports talent, ensuring that the spirit of sportsmanship and community pride continues to thrive.
