Phalaborwa: Large crowds gather at soccer tournament
On weekends large crowds of people gather at Maseke Movers Sports Grounds to share their love of the ‘beautiful game’ when they watch teams lock horns in the Petu Top 16 Soccer tournament.
A battle to be crowned the undisputed soccer champion of ‘kasi diski’ is on.
The owner of the tournament, Petu Ralepelle, explains that there is a match every weekend all year round.
“We have this tournament to keep people from the streets and to curb crime. Even when things are not going as planned, in terms of finances, we always just keep the ‘beautiful game’ going,” stated the ecstatic owner.
“We have teams coming from all over Phalaborwa and this is the place to be. People enjoy it and I do not see any reason why this tournament would ever stop,” she said.
The atmosphere at the tournament is that of people who prefer attending a local competition than to watch professional football leagues on television or that of other local football associations with better facilities.
The ‘kasi diski’ players play on a dusty field covered with rocks in a desert-like environment. However, the players are not bothered that there is no grass in sight. The only thing they want to do is kick around the ‘xikhumba’ [leather] as they call it.
Every weekend spectators gather to watch fearless men and boys go head to head with the injury stakes high.
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Nwanamadala Shaun Sibuyi told the Phalaborwa Herald that “this is where men are separated from boys, as real football is played here. I do not believe the guys on TV can do what these guys do here.”
“They are not scared to play on the rocky field. If you put them on a green field and you will see magic,” he continued. A player from Tigers Football Club said that it was dangerous to play on the field as one mistake could leave you with a lifetime injury.
It is very apparent that there are no linesmen and during the game, one can hear the supporters of various teams chirping the referee.
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Ralepelle said that the tournament is in need of stretchers, water bottles, goal post nets, and a full first aid kit and she would really appreciate it if businesses or individuals could sponsor it.
“We are also looking for gazebos for the time officials,” she concluded.
