Birds fly to victory in top 8 tourney
Players commended for choosing sport over drugs.
The Randfontein Local Municipality together with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as well as the Randfontein Local Football Association hosted the annual top 8 tournament.
The final was between Junior Birds from Magalies and Brandvlei. The match kicked off at a slow pace. Both teams were equally matched in skill. The ball went from one end of the field to the other.
Both goal keepers had a lot of action and managed to save a few shots. Children from the area were in the stands and yelled at the top of their lungs for their respective teams. Coaches threw their hands up and shouted for their players to score.
The end of the first round came and no goals were scored. Each team was huddled on opposite sides of the field to discuss the second half’s tactics. Half time ended and players stepped on the field with a new found energy.
In the middle of the second half, Brandvlei made an unfair tackle and as a result a penalty was awarded to the Birds. The keeper seemed ready for the shot but when the Birds’ striker went for goal, the keeper couldn’t keep up with the sheer speed and curve of the ball — a goal was awarded.
The Birds began to celebrate but not for long as Brandvlei was on the attack. More than three shots were taken at goal from corners awarded to Brandvlei but the keeper was far too agile for Brandvlei to score.
On the turnover ball, the Birds made a dash for the opposition’s goal when a Brandvlei player made a bad sliding tackle. The player who made the tackle was given a yellow card and a penalty was awarded.
Shortly after, the match ended and the Junior Birds took first place. They subsequently won team of the league and their coach, coach of the league.
MMC for Social Development, Thembi Patricia Matuwane which sports in Randfontein falls under was there to address soccer players and commended them for choosing to play sports instead of using drugs.
