North West Gambling Board hosts youth soccer final to warn against underage gambling

The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) held the final of its first Provincial Youth Soccer Tournament at Montshioa Stadium in Mahikeng, the board said. The event was staged under the campaign themes "Don't Gamble Your Future Away" and "Gamble Responsibly" and combined school football with educational exhibits on gambling risks and available support services, according to the board.

Mofatlhosi Secondary School of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality took first place, receiving R25,000 and gold medals. Meriti Secondary School of Bojanala District Municipality finished second with R15,000 and silver medals, while Motsemme Secondary School of Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and Tau Rapulana Secondary School of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality shared third place, each receiving R10,000 and bronze medals. The NWGB said the cash prizes are intended to support local educational needs and improve learning environments.

Funding for the event came from Socio-Economic Development (SED) contributions made by licensed gambling operators, the board said, and it was also backed by sponsorships from corporate and gaming entities, among them ABSA, SunBet and Rio Casino. The NWGB was joined in the initiative by industry partners: the National Gambling Board (NGB), the African Lotteries & Gaming Association (ALGA), whose CEO Musa Mngani represented it, and the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF).

According to NWGB Acting CEO Boitumelo Qalinge, the initiative was designed so that sport could serve as a means of shielding young people from gambling that is underage or illegal. Qalinge said: "Our message is clear: don’t gamble your future away. Choose discipline, teamwork, and a responsible lifestyle ."

Prizes for the top matric sides were presented by DEDECT MEC Bitsa Lenkopane and HOD Relebogile Mafokane, who handed out trophies, medals and cheques. The gathering drew officials from government, regulators and sport from around the country, all there to motivate learners of school age. One of those present was Marks Maponyane, described as a South African soccer legend and a member of the Gallery of Legends; he called on the student-athletes to take up discipline, confidence and personal growth in competition and away from it.

The campaign urged learners to put their education first, look after their mental well-being and guard the opportunities that lie ahead of them. It also drove home the point that gambling must never be seen as a way out of financial difficulties. The NWGB and its partners stressed that public education and community outreach are needed to keep young people safe, and they pointed to sport as a way to nurture talent while carrying that same message.