Astroplex, BCT host successful soccer tournament

Sibda was ecstatic that teams attended from all over Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

October 6, 2021

Jemma Pringle 2 minutes read

Salmaan Rahman (left, Broadway Sweets promotions, sponsor), Essop Wajoodien (Broadway Sweets' salesman, sponsor), Fayaz Osman (Broadway Sweets CEO, sponsor), Abdul Rehman Sibda (chairperson of LSC), Andrea Chauque (Black Panthers assistant coach and manager), Israel Marimo (front left, Broadway Sweets trade marketing, sponsor) and Ntakeko Chauque (Black Panthers' head coach). Photo: Penelope Masilela.

Astroplex Benoni (Lakefield Sporting Club LSC), in conjunction with the City Times Be a Sport project, hosted a seven-a-side soccer festival at the Astroplex home ground at Benoni Lake Club on October 3.

This tournament aimed to raise funds for The Black Panthers FC, a Daveyton soccer club that was in desperate need of kit and equipment.

“The teams played round-robin matches against each other, and there were no knockout games like quarter-finals or semi-finals,” said Abdul Rehman Sibda, chairperson of LSC.

“These football festivals are purely for the enjoyment and love of the game. No scores are recorded because the aim was to raise what we could for the Black Panthers, as well as for the children to have fun following a long and hard lockdown.”

The event was a roaring success with eight u-9 teams, eight u-11 teams and eight u-13 teams taking part in the festival.

Teams from Benoni/Boksburg: Lakefield Sporting Club (u-9 and u-13), Superstars Academy (u-9 and u-11), Pezon FC (u-9), Young Stars FC (u-9, u-11 and u-13), Black Panthers FC (u-9 and u-11), Avengers FC (u-13), Samba Boys (u-13) and Benoni All Stars FC (u-13).

The referees of the day were Zunaid Bhamjee (left), Ketsi Ditshego, Bronwyn April and Anthony Ditshego. Photo: Supplied.

Andrea Chauque (Black Panthers assistant coach and manager) with her sister Ntakeko Chauque (Black Panthers head coach). Photo: Penelope Masilela.

The Black Panthers couldn't wait to get started on the day. Photo: Supplied.

Yamukelo Ngejana (green vest, u-9 Black Panthers player) fighting off his opposition Mohammed Rafique Carrim (Laudium All Stars). Photo: Penelope Masilela.

All the children who took part in the festival lined up before the day began in a socially distanced manner. Photo: Supplied.

Teams from Tshwane/Ermelo/Polokwane/Balfour/JHB South/Vereeniging: Laudium All Stars (u-9 and u-11), Centurion All Stars (u-9), Ermelo Sporting Club (ESC) Stars (u-9 and u-13), MSA Polokwane (u-11 and u-13), Balfour FC (u-11 and u-13), Football Academy of Excellence (u-11) and Roshnee FC (u-11).

Sibda was ecstatic that teams attended from all over Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

“There was a great turnout of spectators who attended the event to watch our future soccer stars in action,” he said.

“All this contributed to a great atmosphere. Each team per age group played seven matches. The quality of football was of a high standard and exhilarating to watch.”

After the match programme was completed, each child received a participation medal and a generously sized sweet hamper from Broadway Sweets (the main event sponsor).

“We have also received positive feedback from all participating teams who praised the great organisation and facilities available.

“We are still getting everything together for the handover to the Black Panthers. Once all is finalised, we will advise on a date and time after speaking with the Benoni City Times to come up with a suitable date and time.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended and all those who donated. We are looking forward to hopefully hosting more events such as this one,” he concluded.

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