Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Table tennis rulebook now available in isiXhosa

Minister Ricardo Mackenzie (second from the left) with representatives from the Western Cape Table Tennis Federation, and the Chair of the Language Committee.

On Tuesday, 10 June 2025, the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie launched and handed over copies of the first translated isiXhosa Table Tennis rules booklet to representatives of the Western Cape Table Tennis Federation.  

To date, the DCAS has translated and launched six rule booklets for various sporting codes that include Chess, Cricket, Netball, Boxing, Cycling and now Table Tennis. 

 

This rule book has been translated through DCAS’s Language unit, in consultation with various expert stakeholders in terminology development to ensure the translations are accurate. The development of these translated books ensures the promotion of multilingualism in the sport environment.

 

Opening the launch, Chief Director for Sport and Recreation, Lyndon Bouah, emphasized the need for terminology to be developed in order for sporting codes to be fully accessible. The Chief Director: Cultural Affairs, Carol van Wyk, also spoke about the importance of language in breaking down barriers: “This is more than a resource – this is a platform for new voices and experts to emerge. We must ask ourselves, who is excluded and what can we do to change that? Language is a powerful tool in challenging exclusion.” she said.

 

Minister Mackenzie said: “We must continue to champion and celebrate linguistic justice. By making the rules of the game available in isiXhosa, we are not just translating words but we are giving a fair opportunity to all to participate.”

 

DCAS will continue with the important work of making the rules of sporting codes accessible to isiXhosa speakers.

The translated rulebook

 

ENQUIRIES:

Lyndon.Bouah@westerncape.gov.za

Sport and Recreation

Tel: 021 483 5891


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Wednesday, 4 June 2025

MSSA to include shout-casters into National Squad as support staff and award them Protea Colours.

Colin Webster (right) seen here receiving  an award from His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed al Maktoun (left) in 2019, has again set a precedent in the esports community by highlighting the importance of all roles that contribute to the ecosystem.

Colin Webster, President of Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA), has announced a significant policy change: shout-casters will now be included as official support staff within the national esports squad and will be eligible to receive Protea Colours. This development acknowledges the vital role shout-casters play in enhancing the visibility and professionalism of esports events. However, it must be noted that such shout-casters must be fully-paid-up members of a club affiliated to MSSA.

Shout-casters Recognized as National Support Staff

By integrating shout-casters into the national team framework, MSSA ensures that these professionals are formally recognized for their contributions. This inclusion not only validates their efforts but also aligns with MSSA's commitment to fostering a comprehensive and inclusive esports environment.

Eligibility for Protea Colours

With this policy update, shout-casters who meet the necessary criteria and are selected as part of the national squad's support staff will be awarded Protea Colours. This honour places them alongside players and coaches in representing South Africa on the international esports stage, reflecting their integral role in the team's success.

Impact on South African Esports

This move by MSSA sets a precedent in the esports community, highlighting the importance of all roles that contribute to the ecosystem. By recognizing shout-casters, MSSA not only boosts morale among these professionals but also encourages higher standards and dedication, ultimately enhancing the quality and reach of South African esports.

For more information and updates, you can visit MSSA's official Facebook page or their Instagram profile.

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Tuesday, 3 June 2025

Interview with BRICS Championship participant South African Sydney Michelle 'KYōi' Wood

Capetonian, Sydney Michelle 'KYōi' Wood, at the BRICS Esports Championships in Moscow, Russia.

On June 1, the BRICS Championship for Sber Prizes, which was held for the third time, ended in Moscow. This year, athletes from 20 countries came to the tournament, and among them was one athlete - Sydney Michelle 'KYōi' Wood from the Republic of South Africa. The press service of the Russian Federation of Electronic Sports did not miss the opportunity to talk to Sydney. Unfortunately, KYōi failed to reach the playoffs of the tournament, but the athlete showed a good result, gained tremendous experience, which will certainly be useful to her in future competitions.

In an interview with Sydney Michelle KYōi, Wood talked about her path in esports, why she chose Tekken, her future plans, and gave advice to girls who are just starting their esports adventure. 

– Tell us about your path in esports. Why did you choose Tekken 8? What hooked you on it? – I liked Tekken since I was a kid, I started playing with the first version. I had a PlayStation 1, which is where it was. Then updates came out, and I played them too. 

– Is this your first time in Russia? How do you like Moscow? Do you have a list of places you would like to visit? – Yes, this is my first time in Russia. To be honest, I don’t have any places I would like to visit. I trust the team manager, who made a list of attractions to visit. He has already been to Russia four times and knows exactly what you should definitely see here. 

– You participated in the group stage of the tournament, but did not make it to the playoffs. What was the most difficult? Share your emotions. – I can say that there were both difficult and easy matches. Of course, the most difficult match was against the three-time winner of the BRICS Championship – Zhoulin XCC Chen. Of course, I am upset that I did not manage to reach the second day of the tournament, but I only started training actively five months ago. I am not discouraged and will continue training to achieve better results. I love the competitive spirit, so I am not discouraged and when I return home I will continue training actively.

– Did you analyze your opponents’ game before the tournament? What do you think you lacked to win? – First of all, experience, which I, of course, have less of than the other guys. When I went, I knew that there would be stronger players in Russia. I didn’t expect to take a prize place. I came first of all for gaming experience, which I got – that’s the most important thing. Before the matches, I didn’t watch my opponents’ games, but when we had training, I played against some of them. I hope that next year I’ll be able to come to the tournament again and show what I’ve learned. 

– Tell me about the process of preparing for the tournament? – I’m on a team, we get together and play a lot together. In my free time, I watch matches of popular Tekken players and try to analyze everything I saw and then apply it myself. Among my favorite streamers, I can highlight Mr. Croft and Silantro. It also happens that I find players online whose level of play is much higher than mine, and I train with them. 

– Does the state and private companies support eSports in South Africa? – Yes, in our country there are opportunities for the development of women's eSports and women in it. But the main problem is finding them (laughs). The state supports, but as for private companies, I can't say for sure.

– What do you do besides eSports? Or is eSports your full-time job?– I have a permanent job, but I would like eSports to become my main income in the future. But for this, I need to train more and harder. In my free time, I like to draw, sing, and shoot content for my social networks (smiles).

– Recently, we have seen that women’s eSports are developing at an incredible speed all over the world. Women’s teams are invited to tier-1 tournaments. Is there a female eSports player who inspires you?– The male scene is certainly better developed at the moment. That is why my selection of players includes more male eSports players than female eSports players. But I can still single out one female eSports player from Japan – Yuyu. I dream of meeting her and playing a match.

– Which Tekken eSports player would you like to meet and play with? – I would like to play against Mr.Croft again, whom I mentioned above. I had experience playing against him, but I would like to play with him again. Besides him, I would like to meet Silnatro, Knee and Arslan.

– Have you ever faced criticism from eSports players that women play much worse?– I have often encountered such statements that there is no place for girls in eSports and that men play much better and more professionally. That is why I often play without a microphone, because if they hear a woman’s voice, they immediately start judging and saying something. I want to say that many male eSports players underestimate women’s eSports and women’s play. We just need more time and practice, and we can easily compete with them. I advise all girls not to pay attention to this, to continue playing and training for their own pleasure. The best thing they can do is to train and train again. Nothing and no one should lead you astray! It is better to focus on yourself and your game. The worst thing they can do is to allow criticism to doubt themselves. 

– How do your parents and relatives feel about you doing eSports? – I live with my grandparents, they are completely okay with me wanting to actively develop in this area. Together with my son, they follow all the competitions where I play and support me very much. 

– Name the top 3 characters in Tekken 8. – Ling Xiaoyu, Lars and Bryan Fury. 

– What are the top 3 places you should definitely visit when you come to South Africa? Your places of power and where you like to spend time. – If you come to South Africa, I strongly advise you to visit the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, the Garden Route National Park and Table Mountain.

The streamed games may be viewed on: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2473351358?filter=archives&sort=time

Republished with kind permission from: https://resf-ru.translate.goog/news/intervyu-s-uchastnicey-chempionata-stran-briks-yuzhnoafrikankoy-sidni-mishel-KYi-vud/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

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