Gauteng Champion of Champions back with a bang

Soccer fans in the East Rand can gear themselves for yet another exciting edition of South Africa’s first of its kind soccer tournament, the Gauteng Champion of Champions.

The third edition of the unique and ground-breaking initiative was launched on October 2 by the Gauteng Provincial Government in close partnership with the Gauteng Gambling Board.

Holders of the tournament, Supersport United will be back to defend their title against reigning Premier Soccer League champions, Bidvest Wits while Jomo Cosmos will enjoy home ground advantage as the third team of the tournament.

This year’s edition is set to light up the Vosloorus Stadium as it hosts the three teams battling it out on October 7.

For just R20 fans will be treated to an all-day family event which will be preceded by an opportunity to witness their yesteryear football heroes such as Jabu Mahlangu, Jabulani Mendu and Fabian McCarthy taking them down memory lane in a legends match at 10am.

The first match of the day will kick off at 12noon, taking the very same exciting model of a 45-minute round-robin format that will force coaches Gavin Hunt, Eric Tinkler and Jomo Sono to strategize an all-out attack to have any chance of lifting the Gauteng Champion of Champions trophy.

In the event of a draw, the dribble out format will take centre stage with a player coming from outside the box and having ten seconds to beat the keeper who will have the freedom of leaving his goal line.

Proud ambassador of the tournament who is also a former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain, Lucas Radebe lauded the initiative by the Gauteng Provincial Government.

“This is a unique tournament that really tests the ability of players and coaches. It comprises of all the key ingredients of South African football, speed, skill, flair and goals which is really great for the fans that will be at the stadium. I am looking forward to the tournament and urge fans in and around Ekurhuleni to come out in their numbers to enjoy a full day of entertainment,” said Radebe.

The former skipper’s words were echoed by MEC for Sport, Art, Culture and Recreation in Gauteng, Faith Mazibuko saying the province prides itself in such initiatives.

“We are known as the home of champions and hence we take pride in organising such initiatives for the people of Gauteng. Such programmes go a long way in building social cohesion and bringing communities together. We urge Gauteng citizens to take pride in their province and show their support to this tournament that has been developed for them,” said Mazibuko.

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