Breaking News: Ukhanyo is gifted an artificial surface sports field!   

by Vince can der Bijl

December 4^th 2018 was a watershed day for Ukhanyo. The dream of practicing soccer, cricket and rugby on a proper facility (not asphalt!) and for the school to be able to host home matches was realized.

The consortium of Let’s Play/Supersport, Builders and Hitachi handed over to the Principal, Michael Tyhali, a 40x 20 m facility amid great excitement. What a day to cherish, after initially meeting the ever-enthusiastic Christo Marx of Hitachi with the inimitable Vaughan Bishop of Let’s Play/Supersport.

The photos will show the glee, wonder and the superb facility built by Builders. Leshego Molokwane from Hendmalatsi Investment, the Builders man in charge at Ukhanyo. Leshego with Colin Blaikie, the project manager for Masicorp and The MCC Masi 750 Sports Club, ensured that the facility was ready in time for the first match against Kommetjie on the celebration day. Leshego and Colin ensured that the world class facility built at breakneck speed was completed in time.

Also, the consortium and head coach Nceba Jonas working with the School Governing Body, selected 8 local residents to be part of the construction team. This was to drive through their desire to transfer skills to the local communities in which they construct these fields.

The consortium at Ukhanyo built their 24^th facility illustrating the spread of this great concept to the underprivileged communities. They need to be consistently applauded and supported. What a concept which was initiated by the amazing Vaughan Bishop, CSI and Enterprise Manager of Supersport. Take a bow, Vaughan.

We had a plethora of short wonderful and genuinely enticing speeches from each of the donors, the National Dept of Basic Education and the W.C. Education Dept. They were superb. The event too, hosted a broad cross section of the Masiphumelele community, which made it special.

Vince vdB and Milli Firth did a double act with Vince explaining the relationship between The MCC Masi 750 Club and Masicorp which had confused many.

Vince said that to all extent and purposes, it was a marriage. Two independent bodies, working together, driven by a desire to improve the lives of those in Masiphumelele through sport and education in the main. Both bodies independent working as one.

After the speeches and the hand over, with great excitement the Kommetjie v Ukhanyo under 11 match was won by Ukhanyo. The crowd loved the match showing what to expect with home matches – just amazing!!

At the same time the cricket nets and netball court had the learners showing their ability in practice with the dedicated coaching staff. What a sporting Day. It was a sports show deluxe.

AND THERE IS MORE!

The construction of the second 40 x 20 hard court for netball, tennis and other sports is underway. This field is funded by donors to both the MCC Masi 750 Club and Masicorp and will be completed by year end. We will have another day to celebrate next year.

Ukhanyo in 2019 will have three astro-turf cricket nets and two artificial surfaces that will accommodate SIX sports. Wow, that is a dream come true.

What a beautiful end to a special year. Thanks to Michael Tyhali, the staff, the learners, the coaches, Masicorp, the consortium and all those who have supported sport at Ukhanyo through gifts, equipment and donations.

You are the heroes of this venture!