Grassroots soccer tournament brings hope through sport in Bloodriver

Football enthusiasts were treated to three days of intense action during the inaugural Bloodriver Spring Soccer Tournament that was played at Thakgalang sport fields from Saturday until Monday.
The top 16 challenge kicked off on 16 September in Bloodriver and organiser Joey Maleke indicated that the event was aimed at discouraging young people from engaging in criminal activities and sexual encounters among and rather adopt a healthy lifestyle.
T-Boss FC claimed the title when they beat Tiger FC 5-4 on penalties in the final match.
The semi-final matches were also concluded on penalties. Thakgalang and Mabotja Tigers played to a goalless draw while Mokgokong United and T-Boss drew 1-1. The tournament carries a whopping R10 000 winners prize plus a soccer kit, trophy and gold medals, with the runners-up getting R5 000 and silver medals. Other prize money is R2 500 apiece for third and fourth place finishers.
Maleka said “We hope to not only create an event through which talented soccer players can display their skills but to also create social cohesion among a community in need of hope. This is the first edition of the tournament but certainly not the last and we hope it will grow to be bigger and better.”

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za