FORMER Daily Sun sports editor Mathews Mpete is giving back to the community of Ga-Rankuwa, Tshwane.
As part of Youth Month celebrations, Mathews hosted a two-day sports tournament in the area.
The tournament was held at the Western Grounds and Netball Courts in Ga-Rankuwa from 16-17 June.
There was football, netball, 5km fun walk/run, cycling, aerobics and a special master’s match.
The tournament is part of the Mathews Mpete and Motsepe's funeral home cup, which is an annual tournament that is in its third year.
Mathews said this is one of the biggest tournaments they have ever had and it was a full house as there was soccer matches for Under 15 and 19, and Netball games for Under 15 and 19.
ALSO READ: Ex-offender Skeem GP has youth's backs!
He said since Mzansi will be hosting the Netball World Cup in July 2023, he wanted to bring the World Cup fever in Ga-Rankuwa.
"The aim is to produce a lot of players who will play professionally. We are close to reaching our goal," said Methews.
He said there were scouts who came to monitor the players and they're also strengthening women's football so that clubs could choose players from ekasi.
"I'm from Ga-Rankuwa and I realised that I have to contribute towards the growth of sports in the area."
Mathews said many youth in the kasi are depressed because their parents can't afford to send them to tertiary institutions after matric.
"They then end up doing crime and drugs. But if you help them participate in sports, then at least you will have something from them," he said.
He said that there were a lot of players who showed great potential in the tournament.
"Sports is my life. I was not good in sports and decided to contribute as a sports journalist and Daily Sun gave me a good platform for 17 years," he said.
Mathews has also ventured into business and does consultation work for government in PR and communication.
"Daily Sun is my life. I miss it and it will always be part of me. There's no paper like Daily Sun," said Mpete.
Mathews awarded both football and netball teams that reached the finals kits and his message was that the youth must participate in sport and shouldn't give up on life.
Resident Molefe Rapoo (72) said that they need better facilities in Ga-Rankuwa for playing football and other sports.
"I'm enjoying watching children playing football and we are starving for sports in the area," he said.
