GIYANI – "Crime employs, but it does not pay," said Capt Caroline Maluleke, Station Commander of the Saselamani Police Station, during the prize-giving ceremony of the Ntlhaveni/Transnet Savnec Sports Development Association at Ntlhaveni Block C last Friday.

In her address, Maluleke said that crime employs because criminals are made to go to jail where they work but they do not get paid. She urged young people to stay away from drugs and alcohol and also to be law- abiding.

She said if young people stay away from criminal activities, the economy of the country will boom, as there will be nothing more to scare investors away. The association runs under-17 teams in both soccer and netball.

The acting chairperson, Jeffrey Mashimbyi, urged the corporate sector to look at the good work they are doing and come out with financial assistance. Mashimbyi said Transnet provides kit and trophies to award as prizes but has provided no prize money.

"Officials have to dig deep into their pockets to cover administrative costs and this is becoming very difficult," he said, referring to money for faxing and typing correspondences.

Image FC from Nkavele village walked away with a trophy, a kit and gold medals for coming out first.

Second-placed Gezani Zamalek from Nkovani Village received a trophy and silver medals. School of Soccer from Makuleke came third.

In netball, City Girls from Ntlhaveni Block C came first, followed by Top Fighter and Home Star were in the third position.

Mashimbyi said there are good youngsters in the area but after they graduate from the Under 17 league, some just linger around with nothing to do. "I think soccer coaches in the country will do well to visit our areas and tap talent, as good soccer is played here," he said.

He added that youngsters from the area do well at tournaments and it is only a matter of time before youngsters from this area will play in the top league.