Mabatlane exhibits massive soccer talent

The Mabatlane soccer landscape has proved to be at a competitive level, something that was confirmed by the successful hosting of the action-packed Welela Medical Centre which was by the Mabatlane Youth Development on Sunday, 27 October.

Both the coordinators of the event and the Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Football Association (LFA) expressed delight towards the success of the event.

The eight-team tournament was won by Highlighters FC after edging Stormbreakers FC 2-1 in the final.

Highlighters FC’s journey started off with a 5-4 penalty victory against Volcano FC, after a hard fought 0-all stalemate at the end of regulation time.

The team later walloped Mabatlane FC 4-0 in the semi-finals, to advance to the final.

On the other hand the runners-up, Stormbreakers FC reached the final after beating Chelsea FC 1-0 in the last eight stages, and further eliminating Jacaranda FC 2-0 in the semi-finals.

The two teams played in the finals wearing a new soccer kit sponsored by Welela Medical Centre.

The trophies were provided by the South African Youth Clubs (SAYC).

Individual excellence was also rewarded after the tournament, with Stormbreakers FC goalkeeper Pontsho Matlala taking home the Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award.

Simon Letlape of Highlighters FC was awarded Best Player of the Tournament Award, with his teammate Joseph Matjila winning the Sponsors’ Choice Award.

The organisers of the tournament decided not to award the leading goal-scorer, after three players were tied at two goals each.

Coordinator Aubrey Ramokgonami said they were anticipating more goals during the next season’s tournament.

Ramokgonami said the attendance proved that the people of Vaalwater loved football.

“The positive response by the teams and the community was overwhelming. We appreciate the support and would like to thank everyone who supported this initiative,” he said.

Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Football Association chairperson, Hlupi Lehong, said the level of football displayed at the tournament showed that there was a lot of talent in the region.

“Most of the players who are playing at the lower level of football are Men’s Regional League material. We encouraged the teams to affiliate with the LFA so that these young players can get a
chance to play at regional in the near future,” he said.

Lehong said the LFA in Modimolle held pre-season friendly matches at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium last Sunday.

He extended his gratitude at the Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality for its continued support, in terms of soccer venues.

— The BEAT