Soccer success for Old Parks
BORDEAUX – Two Randburg soccer clubs vie for glory at a women's soccer tournament.
The women and girl players at Old Parks Soccer Club can be proud of their performances against some of Gauteng’s best at a recent tournament.
The Bantwana College Girls and Ladies Football Tournament saw six teams compete for glory at Allen Glen High School, Weltevreden Park, on 17 March.
The Blue Birds and DK Stars were two competing teams which also play in the Sasol Women’s League, South Africa’s premier women’s soccer league.
A round robin played in light rain in the morning set the stage for knockout matches in the afternoon, when the sun started to come out to watch the soccer too. As fans on the sidelines struggled to keep warm, the action on the field was blazing.
Old Parks drew one game, lost two and won two to earn a semi-final spot but lost 3–0 to a very experienced and skilful DK Stars, who were the tournament’s eventual winners.
Also read: Old Parks Soccer Club promises another year of sensational soccer
A third/fourth place playoff saw local rivals Old Parks and Randburg JVW take to the field. Earlier in the day, the teams both proved too good in defence and held each other to a 0–0 draw. This time there would have to be a winner.
But so close were the teams that when the whistle blew and it was still goalless, the ref called for penalties. After a thrilling shootout, Old Parks walked away the victors, winning 3–2 on penalties.
“It was fantastic to play against such great teams and do well,” said Old Parks coach Jayson Francis.
He boasted that his side also won the three friendly games they played in the pre-season and could not wait to prove themselves in the Rand Central Local Football Association league starting in April.
“We have a lot of great players joining and also brand new players who are just started out, so right now the coaches are just assessing everyone and helping them develop their skills in pre-season.”
Also read: Old Parks Soccer Club promises another year of sensational soccer
If you know of events in your area you would like our newspaper to cover, let us know about them on our Facebook page.
