Learner excels at indigenous game

Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS and VIDEO - There is great excitement at Imekhaya Primary School, where 10-year-old Inonge Ntusikazi is preparing to represent the Western Cape in the game, Ncuvu, at the Indigenous Games National Tournament in Limpopo next month.

Ncuvu is usually only played by youngsters much older than Inonge's mere 10 years. It is a game of skill that develops players' ability in arithmetic as well as their concentration and fine motor skills.

Western Cape Government Sport and Recreation trains volunteers as indigenous games leaders or coaches and hosts tournaments where these games are played and promoted.

Inonge is coached by Noxolo Mlonyeni who is equally enthusiastic about the opportunity to participate in the national games. Inonge will be accompanied by her brother, Indwe Secondary School learner Sinoxolo, one of her fiercest competitors, who has helped her hone her skills.

Noxolo says other participants at the recent provincial trials were pretty surprised at Inonge's skill, especially because the game is traditionally played by much older players.

Noxolo became involved as an indigenous games facilitator in 2005 when Shadrack Shisana, a local sports administrator, encouraged her to apply for a position at the Department of Sport and Recreation. Nowadays she often practices her skills in Ncuvu, playing against Inonge, while still acting as a mentor and friend to the young learner.

Imekhaya principal Winifred Gwe says the school is extremely proud to have a participant compete in the national indigenous games and wishes Inonge well in her quest to bring back a gold medal.

"The indigenous games are well supported by provincial education authorities and we encourage participation in all of the various games so that current and future generations of children can enjoy playing them too."

Ncuvu, also known as Morula and Morabaraba, is a board game that at first glance somewhat resembles chess or checkers, but that is where the likeness ends. An acute ability to concentrate, count, and keep your wits about you are of paramount importance. It is usually played by two opponents who compete to eliminate each other.

Watch a video below.