Emthunzini SOS Children gala winners

Mbekezeli Ncube Sports Reporter
EMTHUNZINI Wethemba emerged victors in football, while Khayelihle were victorious in netball at the Bulawayo SOS Children’s Home gala on Thursday. Emthunzini finished first on 12 points in football, the hosts SOS finished second with nine points, Thuthuka Children’s Home was third on six points, Mastered Seed and Khayelihle had a point apiece with the latter taking the fourth position due to goal difference. The hosts booked a second spot again in the netball category after Khayelihle came out on top with Emthunzini Wethemba coming third, Mastered Seed rounding off the top four and Thuthuka at the bottom of the table. For their efforts Khayelihle and Emthunzini Wethemba walked away with shields.

The sports gala catered for children’s homes, and was used to disseminate information on child abuse and teenage pregnancies. Five Children’s homes in the Reigate District took part in the event competing in football and netball. Participants ranged from 10 to 18 years of age.

The homes that were part of the proceedings included hosts SOS, Thembiso, Emthunzini Wethemba and Khayelihle as well as the Mastered Seed Children’s homes. Event organiser, Sibusiso Bhebhe said they took the opportunity to educate children about issues that affect the youths.

“ The main purpose of this event is to entertain children especially those living in Children’s homes through sports as well as information dissemination, teaching them about child abuse, teenage pregnancies as well as early child marriages” said Bhebhe.

“ We also invited some other companies and Non-Governmental Organisations to come and support us.”

The Organisation of Rural Associations for Progress donated balls to all participating teams. The gala was launched for the first time on the day and it is going to be an annual event.

Addressing the crowd after the occasion, the guest of honuor Langa Mpofu, the Social Centre Manager for SOS said his organisation encouraged child participation.

“What is important to us as the SOS is that events scheduled for children must be for children and only them must be engaged in the activities, and I wish that in future we are going to have children from other communities so that we can have a broad interaction.”