adminAllen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
MGOQO Primary School won the Bulawayo Provincial Youth Education through Sport (YES) games at the weekend and automatically qualified for the 17th national festival to be held from December 9 to 13 in Hwange.
The competition, which took place at Evelyn High school, saw five clubs; Mpumelelo Primary, Methodist club, Silwane Club, Magwegwe Club and Mgoqo Primary battling for the provincial crown in netball, soccer and volleyball.
Following a full day of intense competition in their respective disciplines, Mgoqo emerged victors in netball and soccer earning themselves a ticket to join other nine provincial winners who have already booked themselves a slot in the national finals.
In netball, Mgoqo beat Mpumelelo primary 13-5 and also won 25-0 against Methodist. In soccer, they beat Mpumelelo 1-0 and also won by the same score line against Methodist.
Tournament hosts Evelyn high school club were crowned champions in girls’ volleyball while Mpumelelo Primary came out victors in boys’ volleyball. Magwegwe High school club came first in girls’ soccer.
Mgoqo Primary School head coach Sithembinkosi Ndebele said the YES games play an important role in nurturing young people’s talents.
“I was impressed with the standard of performance I’ve seen during the tournament. This age is crucial in a young athlete’s career as this is when they develop passion for the game which will last their entire life,” she said.
“We’ve a big responsibility ahead so we’ve started preparations for the tournament.
“It’s not going to be easy because there is also a tree planting and edutainment as part of the competition so we hope the kids will represent us in a positive way and bring medals.
“My message to all the athletes is to go out, have fun and enjoy the experience,” said Ndebele
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