04 Oct 2022

More than eight football teams from the Lentsweletau- Mmopane constituency took part in a two day football spectacle,  an initiative aimed at reducing crime and drug abuse among youth in the area.

The inaugural tournament was played at the Holy Ghost arena in Mmopane over the independence weekend.

Speaking during the launch of the matches on Saturday, MP for the area, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja was impressed to see many young people involved in the initiative which would give them a chance to play their favourite sport in a supportive, inclusive environment that promoted values of respect and self-dignity.

She said they had been countless reports of crime and anti-social behaviour among young people in Mmopane and it was through initiatives such as the Nna le Wena soccer that young people would have no time to engage in certain vices, crime or drug and substance abuse.

She lauded the organisers for putting together a well organised initiative and explained that an investment in such efforts was necessary to nurture talent and give youth an opportunity and place to focus positively.

For his part Kgosi Simon Manthe of Mmopane decried soaring crime statistics in the village.

He said the village had become a haven of criminal activities with reports of petty crimes and suicide on the rise. He asked football teams and all participants to join hands with law enforcement agencies to bring an end to the social ills.

He said the Nna le Wena tournament was an opportune moment to remove potential criminals from negative behaviour. He urged players and coaching staff to become exemplary to future generations by display of acceptable behaviour.

Meanwhile Saebur Sporting club from Kopong emerged overall winners and pocketed a P8 000 first prize money. They beat Bahumi 5-4 on penalty shoot outs after the two team were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Bahumi scooped P4 000 in the process. Beke le Beke of Mmatseta took position three and won P3 000 while Team Distinction of Mmopane Block 1 closed the top four bracket and won P2 000.

In a post tournament interview organiser of the matches Lempoetse Keetsaletse said they hoped to grow the tournament bigger and better in the next editions that would be hosted annually.

 He said the main aim was to assist youth from the pangs of unemployment and crime.  ENDS