local soccer tournament hosted by a local team becomes a success
"We ended up adding eight teams to make it a top-eight knockout tournament instead of just the top four," said the tournament organiser.
Young soccer players donned their kits for the U13, U16, and seniors soccer tournaments on March 19 hosted by Siyajabula Soccer Freestyle Development.
Midrand High School played host to the tournament, and the invitation from the organisers attracted more teams than they had anticipated.
“We ended up adding eight teams to make it a top-eight knockout tournament instead of just the top four,” said Lunga Ndzotjyana, Siyajabula’s operations manager.
All of the teams that honoured the invitation participated in the tournament across all three divisions. Among the teams were ABB Football Club, Rising Stars, Shining Stars, Ones and Twos, Midrand United, Verossa Football Club, Noordwyk Secondary School which adopted Amabhubhesi FC in the junior’s section, and the hosts.
At the U13 level, Amabhubhesi FC beat Rising Stars in the final with Siyajabula taking third place. Among the U16 teams, ABB secured top spot with Siyajabula securing second and Shining Stars third. In the seniors, Noordwyk Secondary School won after beating Siyajabula and Rising Stars took third place.
“We really appreciate all the teams for their amazing support. Your help truly made our tournament extraordinary. We are extremely grateful for your contribution, and we especially appreciate you coming forward and making sure that our plea is met,” said Ndzotjyana, expressing his gratitude to the teams.
The winners of all divisions received gold medals, trophies and soccer kits. The runners-up received silver medals, bibs and soccer balls and third place were given bronze medals and soccer balls.
