Football is the world’s most popular ball game. This was evident as supporters showed up in numbers at the finals of the 2021/2022 Kwa Mahlobo Games.
Kwa Mahlobo Games is an annual tournament that runs from the end of December to the first week of January in the New Year. Hundreds of teams apply for tournament affiliation each year from all around South Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
After two weeks of round robin stage, the games reached their final stages on 9 January 2022 at Kwa Mahlobo Sports Grounds in Meadowlands Zone 10, Joburg.
The atmosphere was electric as soccer players demonstrated their abilities, with Chipolopolo prevailing as the 2021/2022 Kwa Mahlobo Champions. They took home the prize of R120 000, a trophy, gold medals, and soccer kits. The runner-up team received R20 000, silver medals, and soccer kits, while the third team received R5 000 cash.
As long-time partners of the Kwa Mahlobo Festive Games, the City of Johannesburg’s Sports and Recreation and Gauteng’s Sports, Arts, Recreation, and Culture returned as planned. This year’s edition saw the addition of Betway South Africa as a new major sponsor, as well as the return of existing sponsors such as Score Energy Drink.
“These games began in 1996 with only four teams and have since grown into an institution that is acknowledged internationally as a catalyst of Kasi Soccer Development,” said Mandla Mdlalose, the Deputy Director for Sport and Recreation in the City of Johannesburg, Region D.
He said that because of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown last year, only 54 teams competed in the event this year. “Kwa Mahlobo Games is not only a kasi competition, but a vehicle for Premier Soccer League teams to observe and scout players,” he added.
“The atmosphere of this place it is excellent, the City of Johannesburg is absolutely dedicated to sports development, social cohesion, and seeing our communities grow. Such a partnership means a great deal, not only in terms of development for this local community but also in terms of development for others because we see sports as a catalyst for economic growth,” said Cllr Ronald Winston Harris, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg.
All games were live streamed on the City of Johannesburg’s social media platforms and the City’s Joburg Pulse Radio Station.
“Kwa Mahlobo is a big tournament because it gives players exposure as there are scouters and coaches present at the games,” said coach Agnes Nkosi.
“The annual tournament has produced players who played at international and national level such as Sibusiso Vilakazi of Mamelodi Sundowns, Lephasa of Orlando Pirates, Junior Khanye of Kaizer Chiefs and Yeye Letsholonyane.
“In the future, I’d like to see more women participating and competing in similar events so that they, too, may have great opportunities and be recognized by Premier Soccer League teams.”
Amidst the fun-filled two weeks, all Covid-19 regulations were followed throughout all activities. Masks and sanitisation were obligatory, and physical distancing was practised.
Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi
11/01/2022