The West Rand got their Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) football tournament off to a mediocre start when they drew both their matches in the first round over the weekend.
With Princess High School playing host to the opening round of the tournament on Saturday 12 April, the local team and last year’s finalists managed to grab just two points following draws against both Vaal Rand (1-1) and North Rand (2-2).
Leading the log table for the moment is last year’s semifinalists, East Rand after being victorious against both Johannesburg (3-2) and Soweto (1-0).
Commenting on the first round of action was Bheki Dube, the chairperson of the Gauteng SAPS Football Association who said, “All teams came well prepared and were well-disciplined. The standard of football was also very high compared to previous years.”
Considering the tournament stretches over a month (from 12 April to 10 May) and involves four round robin stages for both men and women football followed by the semifinals and finals, Bheki says the aim is, “To select a provincial team at the end of the tournament who will be playing against other nine provinces in a national tournament.
“After the national tournament we will select a national SAPS football team who will lock horns with some professional clubs.”
He added, “All members of the SAPS are encouraged to participate in sports as it improves the morale and health of every employee. A healthy living promotes active lifestyle. It enables employees to function on an optimal level, both physically and mentally.”
The second round will take place in the East Rand at Sir Pierre High School in Kempton Park on Saturday 26 April.
About the tournament:
• It was first played in 1996
• Pretoria has won the trophy for the past five years
• Six clusters in the Gauteng province with the police stations making up the teams are West Rand, North Rand, Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria and East Rand. Other teams confirmed to participate are Vaal Rand, Masters, Provincial women and West Rand women.
Results after round one:
• North Rand 3-0 Soweto
• East Rand 3-2 Johannesburg
• Vaal Rand 1-1 West Rand
• Pretoria 5-0 Masters
• North Rand 2-2 West Rand
• East Rand 1-0 Soweto
• Masters 2-2 Johannesburg
• Vaal Rand 1-0 Pretoria
