The Moko Sports Foundation is hosting the third edition of its popular sporting festival where rural rugby, cricket and horseracing development takes centre stage.
Hundreds of up-and-coming rugby players from the rural Eastern Cape and as far afield as Cape Town will converge on Ezihlahleni Location outside Qonce (King William’s Town) this weekend for the Moko Sports Foundation’s Third Annual Easter Tournament.
Some 32 men’s and women’s teams are scheduled to battle it out at eZihlahleni’s Moko Sports Complex from Friday to Monday for a place in the Grand Final and a share of R118 000 in prize money.
In addition to rugby, spectators at the Easter Tournament will be treated to big hits and wickets during the final of the Ray Mali Foundation T20 cricket tournament as well as short- and long-distance horseracing.
The Moko Sports Foundation was established five years ago by well-known Eastern Cape philanthropist Siyabulela Moko to offer rural youth opportunities to participate in sport and break free of the social ills present in their communities.
Through strategic initiatives such as the Youth Empowerment through Sport (YES) programmes, Girl Power in Sports campaign, Community Sports Hubs and the Sports for Special Abilities Inclusion Project, these youngsters blossom as individuals in an environment that promotes gender equality and inclusivity.
Moko explains that aspiring rugby players in rural communities encounter a multitude of challenges that impede their dreams to go far in the sport.
These include limited access to quality coaching and facilities, financial constraints, lack of exposure to competitive opportunities and limited educational and professional development opportunities.
“By addressing these challenges and implementing targeted interventions, we can empower aspiring rugby players from rural communities to overcome barriers and pursue their dreams in the sport with confidence and determination,” Moko says.
The intention of the Third Annual Easter Tournament is to make inroads against players’ lack of exposure to high-level rugby leagues that limits their chances to showcase their skills and attract attention from talent scouts who can advance their careers in the sport.
Participating teams are drawn from Cape Town, East London, Gqeberha, Qonce, Fort Beaufort, Keiskammahoek and communities surrounding Debe Nek.
Teams like Hamilton (Khulile), Strong Wave (Qonce), Red Lion (Nonaliti), Lunika Home Boys (EL), Tyume Stars (Cape Town), Evergreens (Zihlahleni), Rock of Ages (Ntonga) and Jaguars (Mayipase) have confirmed their attendance in this year’s men’s competition.
On Monday morning, the women’s division will see Winterose taking on Imidushane and Lovedale facing Mooiplaas for a place in the 2pm final.
The tournament’s winning team will take home R50 000 in prize money, the runner-up R30 000, third place R20 000 and fourth place R10 000.
In addition, the player of the tournament will walk away with R2 000. Prize money will also be awarded to the player of the final (R1 000) while the same amount has been allocated for the tournament’s most promising player, best forward, best back, best coach and best referee.
Moko is urging residents of the area to come out in numbers for the festival as entrance to the Moko Sports Complex, which serves as the heart of the Foundation’s operations, is free of charge.
“Spectators will enjoy a full sporting weekend of activities,” he says.
“The Ray Mali Foundation T20 cricket tournament was held at different venues in Fort Beaufort, Gqeberha and Makhanda and we are honoured to be hosting the final on Sunday. Our inaugural MOKO Horseracing Games on Monday features shorter races (800m-1 200m) and a 5km race and are a must for racing enthusiasts.”
Spectators will also be treated to performances by musicians and appearances by local rugby heroes. Food stalls, sheltered viewing areas and designated general and VIP parking are available.
eZihlahleni is located 19km northwest of Qonce and 38km east of Alice. Visible signage will be placed on the routes to the stadium while the location is also available on Google Maps.
For more information on the event please visit: MOKO Sports Foundation Facebook page.
The Moko Sports Foundation (MSF) is dedicated to grassroots sports development and community engagement. It operates the Moko Sports Complex, a premier sporting facility that serves as a catalyst for positive change and holistic youth development in rural communities. It is led by Moko, a respected community leader and philanthropist.
The Moko Sports Complex in eZihlahleni Location near Qonce boasts five rugby fields, two soccer fields, three cricket grounds and an athletics field.
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