Johannesburg table soccer clubs celebrate 75 years of Subbuteo with global party
The 10th tournament of the year featured several veterans and newcomers for flicking fun.
To celebrate the 75th birthday of miniature magic, the three pillars of Subbuteo in Johannesburg joined an international party.
Ruimsig-based ETS Subbuteo Club, Johannesburg Eagles Table Soccer Club and Easterns Subbuteo Club participated in a two-day exhibition that was paralleled in England, Australia and Cape Town. Streaming across the oceans to unite the table soccer community, the annual event got a digital overhaul to satisfy the fanatics.
Day two of the well-attended festival of finger soccer saw seasoned flickers and amateurs alike play in several formats and bases. On Sunday, July 31, the felt-top action began with a penalty-shootout knockout tournament. After a back-and-forth flick fest, it was an all-Easterns final, with Ian Clarke finishing off Gary Downs 3–2.
The exhibition featured displays of all things Subbuteo – from the old and new school versions, to demonstrations of how to play and even the rugby and cricket varieties. Part of the allure of the hobby is the customisable stadiums and pitches with some on display courtesy of SA Bases UK.
“It was about offering a genuine walk of fame for the game known as Subbuteo,” said ETS’s Jason Kennedy.
The debate around the more round and wobbly curved bases or the flat new school bases is as heated as any. Not to discriminate, tournaments with both designs were held, with Clarke earning his second title of the day with an old-school win, beating Kennedy 2–0 in the final. The flat base competition, Liam Chapman won the plate final before Johannesburg Eagles’ Clifford Graaff won the cup final. After a 1-1 draw, Graaff beat Downs 2-1 on penalty flicks.
In good standing with the World Amateur Subbuteo Players Association (WASPA) and Federation International Sports Table Football (FISTIF), South Africa will be sending representatives to the World Cup this September and has also received an invite to the 2024 edition in England.
Cape Town City Subbuteo Club’s Clinton Gahwiler, as well as Kennedy and Downs, are aiming for Rome; and with 10 spots potentially available for 2024, the window is open to write a Mzansi chapter of Mike’s Mini Men.
