The early weeks of any season need a prolonged run-out to test the stamina.
Spread over two days, Trezona Park was the testing ground for soccer teams across the West Rand as they looked to iron out a few kinks and refine tactics. The junior teams and girls’ tournament were held on Saturday, March 4 while the more senior boys would battle on Sunday, March 5 for top honours.
There would be no room for error as tournaments would feature a round-robin section with only the top two teams earning the right to play for the trophy. In the girl’s section, Old Parktonians, and Recycle Drive Bantwana Girls Football Club came out on top with Recycle Drive Bantwana beating the team from Craighall 2-1 in the final.
In the various boys’ age groups, hosts Florida Albion, Ruimsig-based Football Fitness Factory Development, Arthur Matthews Primary School’s Football Elite, and Junior Mwale’s West Rand Ballers were all looking to impress. West Rand Ballers had a suburb Saturday, winning both the U11 and U12 sections. Led by Junior Mwale, the U11s defeated Global Soccer Schools 1-0 while his U12s dashed Panorama Football Club’s hopes with a 2-0 win.
On Sunday, West Rand Sporting won the U13 section, West Rand United won the U17 battle, and South African School of Soccer (SASS) won the U19 trophy. West Rand Ballers would have two of the finalists, unfortunately going down to SASS 1-0 in the U19 final but the U15s would bag the club’s third trophy of the weekend. Ballers’ U15s beat Leapers 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Thrilled with the performances, Junior said, “The coaches and players have been putting in a lot of effort in getting the boys ready for the upcoming season, and the results show. This was the first tournament of the year and the boys did very well. I’m very proud of the players, coaches, and the whole management as a whole. Also, a huge thank you to the parents for the amazing support shown toward the kids. I look forward to a successful season ahead.”
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