Bazingeli Rovers win Defy tournament
Bazingeli Rovers FC went to the Defy Ekurhuleni Games to get some valuable experience but returned with the trophy and R100 000 cash.
KwaThema – Bazingeli Rovers FC went to the Defy Ekurhuleni Games to get some valuable experience but returned with the trophy.
“It was truly unexpected,” says owner Vusi Khumalo.
He says most of the boys on the team had never even played in a tournament of this kind before.
“We entered the competition with the aim of boosting our confidence and learning a few things from the clubs that we look up to.”
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The team played and won seven matches throughout the competition, beating Ace Auto Ayoba and Eleven Experience along the way.
“We chopped them one by one.”
The team’s Lucky ‘Ramagalela’ Vundla won the Best Player award, while the Best Goalkeeper award went to Freedom Magaba.
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The tournament, hosted by the Ekurhuleni Goodwill Committee in conjunction with the Local Football Association, took place from December 16 to 30, 2017.
“My overall impression of the games is that they have grown and developed tremendously.
More teams are participating and this reflects the support the community in general, has shown in organising the youth and exposing the talent that is lying dormant in our communities,” says Pule Malefane, the president of the committee.
He believes the positive response from the private sector has contributed immensely to the drastic reduction of crime in our neighbourhoods by engaging young people in constructive activities during the festive period.
“We are also proud to have these games taking place without any incidents which speaks a lot to the maturity of our people in promoting responsible behaviour during the festive season.”
Khumalo adds they have received a lot of recognition from the community since winning the tournament.
“The support has been overwhelming and we really appreciate it.”
He wishes to thank the club’s coach Lucky Magane.
“The man has done a great job with the boys.”
Khumalo invites anyone interested in joining the team to contact him on 073 724 7715.
