![Minister Mbombo with DCAS Sport Development Staff and the team captains. Minister Mbombo with DCAS Sport Development Staff and the team captains.](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/minister_mbombo_with_dcas_sport_development_staff_and_the_team_captains_0.jpg)
The ninth Indigenous Games kicked off in Tshwane on 21 September 2014 with the Western Cape team announcing themselves in fine style to their opponents at the march from the union buildings to the playing venue and at the opening ceremony parade.
The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, hosted the Western Cape Indigenous Games Team at a capping ceremony in Athlone on 19 September 2014, before they left for the games.
Players will represent the Western Cape in the inter-provincial tournament in the following indoor and outdoor codes: Dibeke; Diketo; Drie Stokkies; Iintonga; Jukskei; Kgati; Kho–kho; Morabaraba and Ncuva. Players were selected during regional Indigenous Games events which took place in Cape Winelands, Overberg, West Coast, South Western Districts and the Metropole earlier this year. One of the objectives of the festival is to revive and popularize indigenous games in all communities as it serves as a vehicle to afford all South Africans an opportunity to be athletes, regardless of race, age or cultural background.
The Indigenous Games reflect the cultural diversity and heritage of our country and is aptly hosted during Heritage Month. During her keynote address Minister Mbombo encouraged the players to do their best: “You should be proud to be representing the Western Cape “she said.
Only the kho-kho men and women and the drie stokkies women’s team competed on the first day. The kho-kho women beat Free State 7.5 to 4 while the men’s team lost narrowly to Kwazula Natal by 4.5 points to 4. Women’s kho-kho team captain Xoliswa Mbobo said: “There were moments when it was tense but we focused and got over our fears. Once we did that we were able to play well.”
Today all the codes will be taking to the field with hopes of flying the Western Cape flag high.
Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: annerie.pruis-leroux@westerncape.gov.za