Hero’s welcome for Kho Kho champs

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – Kho Kho players Naledi Masole and Thato Motloung, along with their coach Naisi Molaba, received a hero’s welcome upon their return to Phuthaditjhaba from the Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup tournament in New Delhi, India from January 13 to 19, 2025.

The trio was honoured by the Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) local municipality and Mantshatlala School in a celebratory event held at the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Hall on January 21.

Thirty-year old Molaba, who serves as the technical director and coach of the Kho Kho Association of South Africa, has been involved in the sport since 2008. He transitioned from player to coach due to his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. Addressing the media at the event, Molaba expressed his pride in the team’s performance and his personal investment in their success.

“I used to be a player and earned national colours until I was selected as a technical director and coach when a Kho Kho committee was established in South Africa. Since then, I have worked with all provinces and began coaching children in Qwaqwa in 2014. I have been coaching Thato since he was ten years old, and I am extremely proud of the team’s performance in India. They did very well, and it was an honour to take them to the World Cup, even if it meant using my own funds,” Molaba said.

Fifteen-year-old Naledi Masole, reflecting on her journey in the sport, recalled being introduced to Kho Kho in Grade 7 at Mantshatlala School. Initially a netball player, she was drawn to the sport after observing her peers’ discipline and teamwork during practice sessions.

“I used to watch the Kho Kho team train and admired their skills, discipline, and teamwork. Eventually, I became part of the team, and our trip to India was an incredible experience. We won the group stages with high points, but India ultimately defeated us as they are the pioneers of the game,” Masole explained.

Thato Motloung’s impressive performance at the tournament earned him the title of “Man of the Match” in one of the games, showcasing his exceptional skills on an international stage. Their teams reached the semi finals and came home with bronze medals.

Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor Malekula Melato lauded the achievements of the players and emphasized the importance of sports in youth development.

“We are proud of the achievements of these young players from Mantshatlala School. Qwaqwa is filled with talent, and we must encourage sports alongside academics. Education should not be separated from sports; they go hand in hand,” she said.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the MAP MMC for Community Services, Bridget Lebesa, and Mantshatlala School principal, Lepile Mootlwane, who also commended the players and their coach for their dedication and hard work.

Kho Kho is a traditional Indian sport that combines speed, agility, and teamwork. Played by two teams of twelve players, the objective is for the chasing team to tag the opposing runners within a set time. The game is played on a rectangular field, with nine players from the chasing team seated in a row, facing alternate directions, while the remaining three are active chasers. The runners, meanwhile, attempt to avoid being tagged by weaving around the seated players.

Kho Kho originated in Maharashtra, India, and has since gained popularity worldwide, with organized tournaments now held in various countries, including South Africa.

As Kho Kho continues to grow in South Africa, the achievements of Masole and Motloung serve as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes in Qwaqwa and beyond.