Kwa-Thema – Archaar Boys did it again when they lifted the Nomndayi Festive Community Games trophy for a second consecutive year on December 30 at the Kwa-Thema Stadium.
The Ntokozweni Ground and the Kwa-Thema Stadium hosted the festive tournament from December 16. The boys won all their games from the group stages to the final.
They started their streak against Jozi Express when they won 2-0. They also won 2-0 against Jealous Down and 1-0 against Amaramparampa and proceeded to the last 16 knockout stage.
Archaar knocked out The Patriots when they beat them 2-0. In the quarter-finals, Archaar met Amapantsula, a team they beat in the tournament final in 2022, and Archaar beat them again 2-1.
Archaar proceeded to the semis to face Fyah Stars. The game ended in a 1-all draw and had to be decided in the final, with Archaar winning by 7-6.
In the final, Archaar faced By Fire By Force. The game was heated, with both teams fighting for the prize while the fans chanted from the grandstand.
The game went into halftime at nil-all. Archaar scored a goal minutes before the final whistle and won the tournament.
Part of those who attended the tournament was South African Football Association (SAFA) Ekurhuleni president and NEC member of SAFA, Job Mchunu, who said he was grateful Nomndayi created job opportunities during the tournament and that they are a part of South Africans thriving for development.
He also said he was grateful there were no fights and that football was big the winner.
Bonginkosi ‘TT’ Mthembu, Archaar Boys’ head coach, said, “We are happy as a team. It was a tough competition and very challenging. We have been preparing for the tournament since the start of the year. It took hard work and dedication to see ourselves as the tournament victors.”
Mthembu said he was grateful for the fans’ support.
Humphrey Sibande, the Nomndayi PRO, said, “We thank the community for attending the games. We were supported and are grateful. The hawkers with stalls were also supported. It makes us happy that they made money through the games.”
