The Kagiso-based Eyethu Yarona Foundation punched itself above its weight when they celebrated the Youth Day through its first edition of the Foundation’s Annual Youth Games, despite facing challenges.
The Foundation under the stewardship of Thokozani Malinga, navigated challenges struggling to acquiring sponsors with local businesspeople unable to assist, however, through determination and willpower, the youth-led organisation managed to pull it through and brought more than 1000 kids to the occasion.
While majority of young people across the country saw it necessary to embark on frivolous and unprintable activities such as excessive drinking and partying on Youth day, the Eyethu Yarona Foundation had different thought of hosting the 2025 Annual Youth Games.
The Games brought in kids from local schools and clubs to lock horns in cricket, u/12 and 14 netball, 5-a-side football. The winners took home trophies and medals, while cricket section got a bonus with cricket attire being donated to the schools.
In Soccer, Khaselihle Primary School emerged the overall winners after dribbling their opponents Sir P, Two Shoes and the host school football clubs to the winners’ podium. Team Maphaka was crowned champions after bowling over Team Bavuma, Team Rabada and Team Rickleton in Cricket division.
As expected in Netball, the mighty Barcelona coached by the spirited and highly rated Zodwa Mncengisa after shooting their opponents, Khaselihle and Entuthukweni Primary schools and Mighty Juventus spectacularly through the goal ring.
Nestled in an area notoriously known for gangsterism and crime, Thembile Primary School played host to the youth games, and the level of competitiveness and vigour displayed by the young players throughout the games, showed that given a chance our young people can go a long way to become better people in life.
“Sports have long been recognised as a powerful tool for youth development, not just in terms of physical health but also for building character and life skills. Engaging in sports activities from an early age can provide numerous benefits that extend far beyond the field or court,” Malinga said on the sidelines of the activities.
Malinga, is a former soccer player and a former cricket coach who obtained Level Two Certificate Cricket Coaching certificate through Gauteng Lions, is now focussing his passion on sports and youth development and youth.
Malinga added that his team of mostly unemployed youth depended on support from their respective families to put together the tournament. He said few stakeholders such as Bathu, Lions Cricket, Uthandolwethu and Mosiedi Selibi Foundation, Coach KG, Quality Junction BABSA joined in later, and community members chipped in to help and provide the players food and drinks during the day.As a former soccer player he concluded that “I know what is needed in and outside the field of play and how to improve the game of sports.
Kids need to be loved, supported and they need a bit of a kick at their backs to elevate them while you make sure you feed them too as some come from backgrounds that are truly in need.”
Sipho None
Soweto Sunrise News
