TEAM NORTH WEST SETS THE BAR DURING THE NATIONAL SCHOOL SPORT CHAMPIONSHIP

TEAM NORTH WEST SETS THE BAR DURING THE NATIONAL SCHOOL SPORT CHAMPIONSHIP

    By : Edith Mogapi 

Eletsa Secondary school Under 16 soccer team and the National winners of the PAN african cup for the School Sport Championship. Photo : Edith Mogapi

Bloemfontein in the Free State Province was turned to a true rainbow when it hosted nine provinces during the National School Sport Championships from the 3^rd to 06^th February 2022. A very successful and incident free tournament was held after a being on hiatus for the past two years due to the devastating Covid-19 lockdown which affected sporting activities.

Headed by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the inaugural National SA School Sports Championships were staged in Pretoria in 2012, followed by several Provinces to date. These championships are a culmination of the schools league programme whereby schools compete at an in-school, inter-school, local, district, provincial and ultimately at national level.

The North West Province, like all other Provinces sent their best soldiers to the frontline to represent it and hoist the Provinces flags high.

Athletes participated in three codes namely, Chess, Football and Tennis.

Indeed, Eletsa Secondary School from Madibeng in Bojanala District did not disappoint and came out tops as it clinched the envied under 16 PAN African football top spot at the tournament competing against eight provinces. Again the province will be sending the reliable, tried and tested soldiers to the next tournament in Kinshasa at DRC to be held from the 17^th to 21^st February 2022, to represent not only the Province but South Africa at the inaugural African School Champions Cup.

Coached by Mr Letlhogonolo Shiko, Eletsa team displayed wonderful tackling skills on the field and their discipline showed not only in the field but also in the way they treated and supported each other off the field.

According to the coach, players from Eletsa Secondary School are also playing and training daily with Letlhabile United Academy which reinforces their passion in football.

“The passion and dedication my team and I have for this sport is too much,” said coach Letlhogonolo. He continued, “Our Province has so much talent and we just need people in high offices and businesses to come together and build a sports academy which will benefit girls and boys from the Province regardless of their social standing in society”.

The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) is on its toes preparing all the necessary essentials to conquer Kinshasa.

Player of the tournament, Reaobaka Phepheng (left) and Coach Letlhogonolo Shiko (right). Photo: Edith Mogapi 

A marvellous Reaobaka Phepheng from the team received Player of the Tournament award which added the cherry on top.

North West Chess Team. Photo : Edith Mogapi

North West Chess team also clinched a bronze medal for boys team another bronze for the ladies team and a gold medal for girls individual.

A young majestic Chess player, Atlegang Monchusi, a North West top player from Matlosana in Klerksdorp received a clean slate beating all her opponents during her matches. She is part of the top 6 individuals who will represent the country at the International Schools Federation (ISF) in China in December 2022, depending on the effects of COVID -19 at that time. Additionally she qualifies for the SA Closed Chess tournament, which is held annually in Gauteng.

Chess gold medallist, Atlegang Monchusi. Photo : Edith Mogapi

“Indeed we are proud of our young athletes and have a good story to tell as a province”, said Shuping Sebolecwe, departmental Spokesperson.