KAMEELRIVIER – Sport, entertainment and community spirit took centre stage at Kameelrivier Stadium in Siyabuswa as the Nkangala Arts and Music Awards (NkAMA) hosted a two-day activation on Saturday and Sunday, 25 and 26 July, bringing together football and netball teams from across the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality ahead of the 2026 NkAMA.
The activation, led by Highveld Chronicle in partnership with the Nkangala District Municipality, aimed to promote local talent while building excitement for the awards ceremony. The weekend also featured entertainment, prizes and an opportunity for communities to come together through sport.
Football kicked off the activation on Saturday, with eight local teams competing in the NkAMA Top 8 Tournament.
The quarter-finals produced plenty of goals as Eskom thrashed Liverpool 5-0, John Vuligate defeated Mthambothini 6-3, Mementos beat Barcelona 4-0 and Babethu Legends overcame Ngwenya Royals 4-0 to book their places in the semi-finals.
The competition intensified on Sunday as Mementos secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Babethu Legends to reach the final, while Eskom defeated John Vuligate 2-1 to set up a championship clash.
The final lived up to expectations, ending 1-1 before Eskom held their nerve to defeat Mementos 3-2 on penalties to lift the NkAMA Top 8 Tournament trophy.
An elated Eskom coach, Perseverance Mohlala, said the victory reflected the team's determination and discipline.
"We approached the game with determination and discipline. We wanted to show everyone what we are capable of. We are not called Eskom for nothing, we are dangerous, just like electricity."
Mohlala also thanked the NkAMA organisers for creating opportunities for local players.
"Most importantly, we would like to thank the NkAMA organisers for giving us the opportunity to showcase the talent that exists in KwaNdebele. We are looking forward to the upcoming events on the NkAMA calendar."
Although disappointed with the result, Mementos coach Memento Skhosana praised the tournament for providing a platform for rural talent, while raising concerns about the standard of officiating.
"I would like to thank the organisers of the NkAMA Tournament for unearthing talent in our local rural areas. The tournament was properly organised to a high standard. Everything was professionally run, just like a PSL match, and this is exactly the kind of development we need in our communities."
While football entertained supporters on the field, Sunday's netball tournament showcased the growing standard of the sport in the municipality as four teams battled for the Dr JS Moroka NkAMA Activation Netball title.
Blue Birds booked their place in the final with a commanding 37-17 victory over Valsch United, while Dipoko NC defeated Young Stars 36-27 in a closely contested semi-final.
The final produced another exciting contest, with Dipoko NC overcoming Blue Birds to be crowned the 2026 Dr JS Moroka NkAMA Activation Netball champions.
Team captain Kgaphola Perseverance said winning the tournament was a significant achievement for the side.
"It was a great victory for us because it was our first tournament of the year. We are thrilled to have achieved our goal of winning the championship. Our target from the beginning was to lift this trophy. The key to our success was our confidence, the way we encouraged one another, our team spirit and discipline. Team spirit and discipline always win games."
The activation highlighted NkAMA's commitment to using sport as a platform to identify local talent, encourage community participation and unite residents ahead of the annual awards ceremony. With thrilling football and netball action throughout the weekend, the event successfully built momentum for the 2026 NkAMA while celebrating the talent and potential that exists across the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality.
