The possibility of the Tshikota Community Handball team’s participation at the annual men´s and women´s national championships in Port Elizabeth later this month is still hanging in the balance.

Following their thrilling wins at district and provincial level, the handball team qualified to represent Limpopo in the national championships.

During a media conference held at the municipal library, the team´s PRO, Chris Bale, stated that they know that a difficult job is still ahead, but they are faced with a serious financial problems to cover their travelling and accommodation costs. Bale said that the championships will take place from September 21 to 24.

The team comprises 40 young boys and girls from the settlement. The team´s skipper, Abednigo Chauke, said that as a result of a lack of proper facilities, they are forced to play and practice on a tennis court. "We also do not have a complete kit. I know that if we manage to raise the funds, we are definitely going to win," he said.

The municipal manager of the Makhado Municipality, Ms Faith Muthambi said that because the team will be carrying the pride of the municipality, district and province, she will spearhead the campaign of raising the funds to assist the team in accomplishing their goal of bringing the championship title home.

In wishing the team good luck, the outgoing director of community services at the Makhado Municipality, Mr Peter Magwala, said that most people associate Tshikota with bad things and deliberately ignore talking about positive things happening at the settlement. He said that for the team to qualify to participate at the national championships is a testimony that only those who don´t know the area talk negatively about the area.

"We see Tshikota as an area with the potential of unearthing more talents, as an area where the athletes of tomorrow will be produced. We know that everything is possible if we can all join hands, but unfortunately we don´t have enough funds to assist the team. A message will be sent to the premier´s office to inform them about the team´s situation."

People who wish to assist the team can contact the team´s PRO, Chris Bale, at 072 117 5848 or Blessing at 073 101 2100.