ETHEKWINI: A myriad of sport codes dominated the whole day during a sports tournament hosted by the Department of Public Works' Ethekwini Region on Friday, 30 June 2023.
This year’s youth day sports celebration was held under the theme, “Accelerating Youth Economic Emancipation for a Sustainable Future.”
Unmatchable talent displayed by various departmental soccer and netball players cannot be ruled out as two special soccer teams, Hector Peterson and Soweto Uprisings FC were specifically formed to serve the purpose of the day had an encounter in broad daylight.
A do-or-die match started on a low pace and heated-up at a blink of an eye which saw a number of supporters waiting on tenterhooks for the final match.
To add some lustre on the actual event held at Ashley Sports Club in Pinetown, the organizing team opted to include other activities ranging from - drinking and balloon relay, casino, magenda, guess the taste, paper plane race and umlabalaba.
The entire day was characterized by absolute glee and euphoria as departmental well-wishers and general soccer die-hards were in high spirits.
The Soweto Uprisings United (SUU)registered a swift defeat against Hector Peterson FC after the extra time slot which led to a penalty shootout. The final score registered was 6 goals to 5, with SUU claiming victory.
Team Sarafina won the balloon relay while Lesego Moruane and Nokuthula Luthuli made it in Chess, Stick and Blindfolding which are special games played during the day.
Ethekwini Regional Director, Mr Simphiwe Blose said, the motive behind hosting a tournament of this magnitude is to promote the spirit of unity among colleagues who spend most of their precious time at work.
This extends to recognition of a selfless role played by the Youth of 1976 when the country was in turmoil. Besides trophies presented by Mr Blose to the winners, all participants received medals as a token of appreciation.