Local soccer players took to the fields after a challenging year
Soccer players and fans all over the country are pondering what the new year may bring to their beloved sport.
The Covid-19-pandemic had a huge impact on the sport and placed a damper on activities.
Jonas Mankga, coach of the local Janco Chiefs, said the Masters Soccer Hot Cup-competition kicked off late in 2019 and had its ups and downs before grinding to a halt in March due to the Covid-19-pandemic.
Since the lockdown restrictions were partially lifted and leagues like the Pro Soccer League (PSL) started to gain momentum again and local league players returned to the field with enthusiasm.
Mankga said although the players were prohibited from practicing and fitness levels deteriorated during the first couple of weeks of lockdown, the players remained focussed and were rearing to go.
Although the players had to accommodate to the fact that spectator support was ruled out, the local players returned with diligence and were once more motivated to improve their skills and fitness levels. Ten teams from Bela-Bela, Phake, Mmametlhake and Pankop participated in the Masters Cup league.
The teams played two matches per month and the season will draw to a close in the middle December. The teams currently in the lead are Pankop City, Matsatsantsa and Shanana.
At the end of November Pankop was at the top of the leaderboard with nine points. They were followed by Matsatsantsa with seven points and Shanana with six points.
The other teams competing in this league are Sunapapa, Bela-Bela United, Bela-Bela 2, Bela-Bela Masters, Janco Chiefs, Rapotokowane and Phake United. Mankga said that the Pankop-players excelled with speed and their outstanding ball skills against Shanana, while Matsatsantsa overwhelmed Janco during the first half of their recent game.
Despite Shanana’s loss against Pankop (1-2) the match remained memorable, while Sunapapa collected additional points when they toppled Phake (2-0).
The Rapotokwane-team missed a few opportunities to score during their match against Bela-Bela 2 that ended in a draw (1-1), said Mankga.
Mankga stated that the final matches will be played on Sunday 13 December. Thereafter players will break for the festive season and return to practice in January.
