The town of Vryburg was ablaze with sporting spirit this past weekend as Naledi Local Municipality successfully hosted the 2025 SAMSRA North West Provincial Games — an event marked by excellence, community pride, and unforgettable athletic performance.

With 10 municipalities from across the province converging in Naledi, the games kicked off with a celebratory opening at Huhudi Sports Facility on Friday, 25 April 2025. Mayor Advocate C.J. Groep welcomed guests with a unifying message, highlighting sport as a catalyst for wellness and development. “This isn’t just about winning medals,” said the Mayor. “It’s about building strong, healthy municipalities that work together for a better North West.”

Naledi athletes did not disappoint. In what was arguably the most electrifying soccer match of the tournament, Naledi Local Municipality thrashed Ngaka Modiri Molema 4-1 in the opener, and came back to seal the final with a dominant 3-1 victory, claiming first place in soccer.

In netball, although Bojanala District Municipality took top honours, Naledi’s netballers made a strong showing in the group stages with a confident 9-1 win against Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and continued to make the home fans proud.

Across all codes, Naledi stood tall — securing 2nd place finishes in volleyball, tug of war, and pool, showcasing the district’s diverse sporting strength.

From Huhudi to Colridge to Dithakwaneng, every stadium in Naledi came alive:

Volleyball:

1st: Ngaka Modiri Molema

2nd: Naledi

Tug of War:

1st: Ngaka Modiri Molema

2nd: Naledi

Pool:

1st: Ngaka Modiri Molema

2nd: Naledi

Netball:

1st: Bojanala

2nd: Moses Kotane

Darts:

1st: Dr Ruth

2nd: Moses Kotane

Soccer:

1st: Naledi

2nd: Ngaka Modiri Molema

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Local artists such as Tsietsi Matubako and municipal staffer Machaka transformed the sporting venue into a celebration of local history, painting portraits of sporting legends like Lucas Tlhomelang, Thapelo Yawa, and Edwin Setae.

According to the municipality, accommodation businesses reported high bookings with over 15 guesthouses and lodges in Vryburg hosting visiting delegations. Among them were Villa Brocant, Tuscany Vryburg, and Apollo Guest House, who all played a crucial role in supporting the week-long festivities.

Thanks to meticulous planning, skip bins, patrollers, and on-duty staff, the town remained clean, safe, and welcoming throughout the event. The Department of Public Works and Dr. RSM District Municipality were commended for infrastructure upgrades and logistical support.

Community hangouts like Kasi Kota, Lehae LV Lounge, and Nka Modira Car Wash became hotspots for athletes and fans to unwind, while the likes of Floradene Butchery and Kudu Slaghuis kept braais fired up and spirits high.

Project Coordinators applauded the athletes and volunteers: “This wasn’t just about sport. It was a showcase of municipal pride, cooperation, and the talent our province holds.” A coordinator said.

As the curtain falls on this chapter, Naledi Local Municipality has proven that it’s not just a worthy host — it’s a beacon of what a well-run, people-driven municipality can achieve.

“To everyone who made the 2025 SAMSRA North West Provincial Games possible — re a leboga!” Naledi Local Municipality

-The VIP Team

-Naledi Local Municipality

-SAMSRA NW

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