Map games grow in leaps and bounds
ALEXANDRA - Maimane Alfred Phiri (Map) games continue to amaze and experience phenomenal growth that has far exceeded the expectations of the organisers.
The two-month long Maimane Alfred Phiri (Map) soccer tournament came to an amazing finale.
This after two stylish teams mesmerised football fans at the Alexandra Stadium with their display of skills and dribbling wizardry that left lovers of the beautiful game asking for some more.
“I just wish this game could continue playing for time on end. We have not seen such stylish football in our games for a long time,” said one avid fan as the game drew to a close with a spectacular last minute strike from the Limpopo side, Dalmany Young Chiefs, to level matters 2-all with their KwaZulu Natal opponents, Newcastle Homeboys.
The referee blew his whistle as the Chiefs players, who had come from behind on two occasions, were still engrossed in their elaborate corner flag celebration similar to the one first introduced by Cameroonian legend Roger Mila.
Chiefs beat Homeboys 4-3 on penalties after the Chiefs keeper had saved two penalties. “We are so unlucky,” cried the ‘Bishop of Football’ Dumisani Mpaza, who was dressed in full pulpit regalia. “This is the third time that we are runners-up since we first participated in tournament in 2011,” said Mpaza, whose team collected R75 000 for second spot and champion Chiefs R110 000.
“The growth of the games has been phenomenal and far exceeded our expectations,” said games organiser Percy Ndaba. “I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude to the people of Alexandra and neighbouring Thembisa who came in their numbers to support my games,” said the man of the moment, Maimane Phiri.
The only blemish of the finals of the tournament was the numerous fights that broke out among the spectators on the stands. In one of these fights, a fan was beaten to a pulp with security officers nowhere to be seen.
