Teams play in soccer tournament in Standerton
Inner City Football Club claimed the bragging rights by winning this year's tournament after beating Classic Scorpion 5-4 in penalty shootout.
Fourteen soccer teams under the age of 17 locked horns this festive season in the youth festive cup sponsored by Peo ya Sechaba Foundation.
The tournament started on the December 7.
It was supposed to end on December 15, but it was postponed to December 19 due to heavy storms on the day the final was supposed to take place.
The tournament took place at Standerton Grounds and Sakhile Stadium.
Tournament organiser Sello Tsotetsi told the Standerton Advertiser that their biggest challenge was not getting enough sponsors.
“As the founder of Peo ya Sechaba Foundation, I had to make sure the tournament becomes a success, our municipality must play a part in fixing Sakhile Stadium because now it’s becoming a ground,” said Tsotetsi.
He added that the vision of the tournament is to ensure young soccer players are ready to compete for national teams.
“It’s been proven that Lekwa can produce talents such as Sibusiso Radebe, Sihle Mpuqa, Coldrin Coetzee, Mduduzi Sibeko, Oupa Radebe and Goodman Saohatse who have represented Lekwa nationally,” he said.
Tsotetsi said the biggest concern in townships is substance abuse which is ruining most families.
“Our biggest concern is to make sure we distance young people from drugs, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy which become a disease in our home town,” said Tsotetsi.
Tsotetsi thanked coaches from different soccer teams for taking part in the tournament, and urged the youth of Lekwa to involve themselves in all sporting codes and gender equality should be recognised.
“As a leader in this town, I am calling all leaders to come on board on saving this sinking ship, the banks, retailers, and other businesses around Lekwa, it is high time they ensure that children are safe and have all the resources they need that will make sure they pursue their talents.”
Tsotetsi further added that Thuthuka Power Station has failed the community of Lekwa for far too long and urged them to up their game by building a decent youth center that will cater for majority of activities.
The man of the match in this year’s tournament was Thando Radebe of Classic Scorpion.
Inner City Football Club claimed the bragging rights by winning this year’s tournament after beating Classic Scorpion 5-4 in penalty shootout.
