The annual Rooikat Top 16 Soccer Tourney, held at Mbombela Stadium, produced nothing but entertainment and fireworks from the first game until the last one on Sunday.
Staged on a beautiful, cloudy, but relatively hot day, this tournament, which is rapidly becoming one of the province’s top amateur football competitions, featured taverns within the Ehlanzeni region that went toe to toe against one another for the coveted trophy.
Rooikat partnered with South African Breweries.
Each participating tavern received a soccer kit for their team, coupons for food and drinks, all sponsored for the day.
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Rooikat’s Aldin van Heerden said the idea of the tournament originated after Rooikat Liquors was brainstorming on how to appreciate their loyal customers.
“After a couple of hours, the idea was born. This year we had teams from all over the Lowveld participating and the tournament was a success.
“We believe this will be one of the biggest soccer tournaments in the Lowveld in the future. Next year we will make it even bigger and better, bringing more people from different communities into the stadium to support their local taverns teams,” said Van Heerden.
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He said the tourney is not just about winning, but more about coming together and having fun while at the same time promoting the spirit of ubuntu.
This year Shakes’ Place was crowned the new champions after thumping KaNyamazane Tavern 246 3-1, and taking home the R15 000 prize money.
