041SPORTS | By Sihle Ndalwentle Sonto
In a move aimed at boosting sports development and empowering local youth, Ward 18 Councillor Nkululeko Makwenkwe handed over essential football equipment to several community teams in New Brighton, Gqeberha.
The beneficiary clubs included Red Lions FC, P.E Sundowns FC, Mighty Eagles, Vuku Wanderers Ladies FC and P.E United Ladies FC. Each team received soccer balls, bibs, three-piece kits and cones to assist them in training and match preparations.
Councillor Makwenkwe said the initiative was driven by a strong desire to keep young people in his ward active and away from the dangers of drugs and crime.
“I see that there’s a need to sponsor my Ward 18 teams and to keep them active and away from drugs,” he explained.
While this handover focused on football, Makwenkwe confirmed that plans are underway to expand the initiative to other sporting codes.
“Yes, there are plans to expand. We started with football and ladies’ soccer, but now we want to include netball, rugby, and in fact all sporting codes in New Brighton,” he said.
Addressing the young footballers, the councillor shared an inspiring message:
“I want them to be motivated and never stop playing sports, as it is also a tool to success. Not only books can make you successful — athletics can too.”
Makwenkwe emphasized that the initiative forms part of his broader vision for youth and community development in Ward 18.
“It is my broader vision. I want to never stop doing this and I also hope other councillors in other wards will be motivated by what I just did, because sports is loved in New Brighton, especially football,” he said.
The donation marks a significant step towards strengthening grassroots sports in New Brighton, giving young athletes the support they need to grow both on and off the field.
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