18 Dec 2014

The annual John Nswazwi Memorial Cup Tournament (JNMC) continues to build strong bonds and relationships between the descendants of the great chief John Nswazwi of the Bakalanga.

The tournament usually held during the festive season brings together the three communities of Nswazi, Goshwe, Marapong and the recently confirmed village of Makuta.

Speaking at the launch, Wabo Bungile, chairperson of JNMC explained that the initiative started more than a decade ago in remembrance of the late leader of the Bakalanga chief, John Nswazi. He said the tournament would be held from the December 25 to January 1. In all 10 football teams and 8 netball teams would contest for this year title.

He said the tournament was an initiative to unite the villages through sports, nature and groom tomorrow’s sports men and women.

He noted that to date, the tournament has produced phenomenal starts such as Tthatie Sunday Chakalisa who played for BDF XI, Themba Ketshabile who played for police XI, Ngule Chilisa who was the former captain of Nico United and Magret Banda who plays for the Netball National team.

To help in making the event a success, he explained that they have secured a sponsorship of P15 000 from Excellent Printers and Graphics courtesy of Gaolatlhe Kgomotso while Elton Katlholo have assisted with ticket printing and the magazine.

Lorato Morapedi contributed P1 000, bottled water by Makuta Ward councillor Patrick Kaisara while Member of Parliament for Nswazi Mr Edwin Batshu has ensured that the winners would be decorated with medals by donating such. JNMC also unveiled two kits per team for all the 10 teams that will be participating in his year’s tournament.

Guest speaker, also a motivational Speaker Tshepo Shoshong commended JNMC for this tournament. He said sport does not only bring communities together but it also ensures opportunities such as employment and infrastructural development.

As such he encouraged all to take advantage of programs such the Re Ba Bona Fa, Constituency League and the Sunday Football to promote sportsmanship. He mentioned that is through these tournaments that that sporting heroes, and young stars yearning for recognition are discovered.

In the football category, the winning team will pocket P6 000 while those in position and three with walk home with P4 000 and P2 000 respectively.

 First prize in netball is P1 000, position 2 will win  P700 while 3 and 4 will take P500 each. ENDS