Kwa-Thema – Abahlaseli Football Club were crowned the new champions of the Nomndayi Community Easter Games on Monday at Kwa-Thema Stadium.
The local teams braced the slippery pitch following heavy rain over the weekend.
Abahlaseli faced Jealous Down in the final, where they won the tournament 3-1.
Head coach Pule Tshabalala said playing two games in one day wasn’t easy.
“I am happy for the boys as they performed well. I think we were well prepared. Some of our players sustained injuries but we got the results we wanted.
“Also, having a large number of players, we had about 20 players and 14 as well to cover up wherever possible I would say worked in our favour.
“With the condition of the field due to the bad weather, it is easy for players to get injured,” explained Tshabalala.
This was his first victory as a coach.
Midfielder of Jealous Down Melusi Nkosi was named player of the tournament and said putting extra work into training played a huge role in his success.
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“Losing a final is not the end of the world. There will still be other tournaments.
“What we must do as a team is go back to the field and put in more work.
“Experience in this tournament worked against us, but I am content with the recognition as a lot of young people look up to me,” stated Nkosi.
His coach Richard Makhubo said he was disappointed but remains hopeful.
“As a team, we celebrate and cry together. Unfortunately, today wasn’t our day but I am proud of our players.
“I would like to thank the fans who came to support our team. May they continue to support us,” he explained.
The tournament was a huge success as the community came out in numbers to support the teams.
The winning team won R20 000, a trophy, medals and a soccer kit.
Jealous Down walked away with a cash prize of R10 000, medals and soccer kits.
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