Tin Bati unleashed

Nie Cele

 In an unprecedented twist,  the traditional ‘Tin Bati’ game most people played in their teen years was at full display at the Mshenguville Park in Mofolo, Soweto, thanks to African Tin Bati Association (ATBA).

This tournament was unleashed to celebrate women’s day and to entertain dozens of young and old generations whom some of them saw it for the first time.

Played under the auspices of women’s month celebrations, organizers managed to source sponsorship from local businesses such Less More, Matula Fish and Chips, Lomondo Trading Store, Sizwe Stores,  Intuthuko Nursery and an a sole individual from Mofolo Oscar Gumbi. The event was also sanctioned by the local councillor’s office represented by Audrey Matona and Rachel Sereme.

Tin Bati is an indigenous game famously known as dithini, amathini or Chicago and exclusively played is South African townships.

 It’s played with a ball made out of paper, plastic or a tennis ball and disposable tins.

On the day, Black Panthers, Baby Pandas, Pink Panthers and Blue Doves locked horns.

In the finals, Black Panthers beat Doves convincingly, while Pink Panthers managed to secure third place.

Founder of African Tin Bati Association Ephraim Matlala told this publication that, the aim was to launch and popularise a sports idea called Tin Bati, and to make it a professional sport that can be played nationwide.

“We wanted to celebrate women for being the spine of our society and also to celebrate those who fought the apartheid system, people like Winnie Mandela and those who marched to the Union Building in 1956 to sign a petition against the pass legislation”.

Matlala also pointed out that the games were interesting and people enjoyed themselves and was looking forward to the next tournament.

He also urged potential sponsors to give a helping hand in the next tourney that is expected to be played later this month in celebration of the Heritage month.