Men from Mantaneni claim R50 000 grand prize as Moko Foundation festival of rugby proves huge success over long weekend
eZihlahleni, Eastern Cape, – Easter Jumpers Rugby Club lived up to their name in every way by winning the Moko Sports Foundation’s 3rd Annual Easter Tournament of Orange Fridays at eZihlahleni outside Qonce (King William’s Town) on Monday.
The men from Mantaneni emerged as title winners and winner of the R50 000 grand prize after four days of intense competition featuring 32 teams from the Eastern and Western Cape.
The intention of the Third Annual Easter Tournament, played each year at the Moko Sports Complex in eZihlahleni, 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.
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.
Eastern Jumpers bested Strong Wave Rugby Club in Monday afternoon’s final, after the sides saw off Sunrise and Homeboys in in the semi-finals.
Strong Wave received R30 000 in prize money as as the second-placed team while the remainder of the total R118 000 on offer was shared between the teams that placed third and fourth as well as individual category winners.
Teams were drawn from Cape Town, East London, Gqeberha, Qonce, Fort Beaufort, Keiskammahoek and communities surrounding Debe Nek.
Dignitaries, including Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, attended the event.
“His [Mabuyane] visit was an incredible opportunity for us, and we want to express our gratitude for the Premier’s time and engagement with us. We do not take this honour lightly and we are truly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead,” Moko said.
“We firmly believe in the power of collaboration, and we are eager to work hand in hand with the government in advancing sports in our beloved country. Together, we can make a significant impact and create positive change for our communities through sports.”
Moko was equally appreciative of the attendance of MECs and mayors as well as private sector representatives, whose presence “underscored the significance of our collective efforts to promote sports development and youth empowerment in our communities”.
Funds raised by an auction, he said, would further bolster the Foundation’s mission to provide opportunities for aspiring athletes and foster a culture of inclusivity and excellence in sports.
“Your support is instrumental in driving positive change and making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals.”
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, youngsters falling under Moko Foundation programmes blossom as individuals in an environment that promotes gender equality and inclusivity.
Spectators at the Easter Tournament, who revelled in the fantastic atmosphere created by local musicians and local rugby legends in attendance, were also able to enjoy the final of the Ray Mali Foundation T20 cricket tournament as well as short- and long-distance horseracing.