Six players who participated in the Dr B.V. Mthethwa Mayoral Tournament, hosted by uMfolozi Local Municipality under the leadership of the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, have secured contracts with Sekhukhune United FC and will travel on Wednesday to begin training with the club.
In addition to these six players, another 22 players have been identified by the club and will undergo further development with the aim of joining the team in January next year.
The tournament commenced on Friday, 14 August 2026, with competitions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and concluded on Sunday, 16 August 2026, with all sporting codes taking part.
Mayor Bhengu expressed his delight that the tournament not only rewards teams and players with prize money, but also creates opportunities for athletes to advance their careers and earn a living through sport. These players join seven others who are already progressing within Sekhukhune United after being identified in uMfolozi.
Ward 01 emerged as the overall football champions, taking home R130,000. Ward 09 finished in second place and received R60,000, while Ward 10 secured third place and won R30,000.
In the netball competition, Ward 10 claimed first place and received R50,000, Ward 14 finished second and received R20,000, while Ward 13 came third and received R10,000.
In the Ladies’ Football category, Ward 06 finished third and won R3,000, Ward 03 came second and received R5,000, while Ward 05 emerged as champions and took home R10,000.
Outstanding players across the various sporting codes were each awarded R1,000 in recognition of their performances.
The tournament also created opportunities for emerging local entrepreneurs to sell their products and services, while one up-and-coming musician from each ward was hired to perform during the event.
Mayor Bhengu thanked the tournament sponsors, Standard Bank, Aquelle and Sekhukhune United, for their contribution to identifying and nurturing talent from uMfolozi. He further called on local teams competing in the Betway Premiership to support and participate in the tournament, emphasizing that uMfolozi is rich in sporting talent.