Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge reaches conclusion
SANDTON – With a total of 76 teams that were registered to play in the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge, only three claimed victory for three separate divisions (u17, women's and men's division)
During its initial announcement on November 25 [2021] at the Discovery head office in Sandton, Discovery with the South African Football Association (Safa) announced the return of the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge after its long pause due to the pandemic.
The tournament which was hosted at the Shapa, Soweto began on December 13 and reached its conclusion on December 24.
With a total of 76 teams that were registered to play in the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge, three claimed victory for three separate divisions (U17, women’s and men’s division).
On the day of the finals, Citizens FC went toe to toe with Pimville Young Stars FC in the U17 division. Both teams ended full time in a 0-0 draw. A penalty shootout decided the winner of the division which was Pimville Young Stars FC (5-4). The team was presented with a cash prize of R30 000.
In the women’s division, Soweto Fabulous FC took on Lora Bokamoso FC. Lora Bokamoso FC claimed their first-place victory with a 3-0 win. The players, coach and staff members of Lora Bokamoso FC went home with R100 000.
The highly anticipated match was between Strokes FC and Pimville West Ham FC. Both teams were dominated in the men’s division but there was only room for one winner in the challenge. A 4-1 win resulted in Strokes FC taking home the prize money (R100 000). All teams were presented with trophies for their astonishing performances and talent during the challenge.
“Pressure was present right from the get-go with the confirmation of the 2019 reigning champions in both the U17 and men’s categories set to defend their titles. In my opinion, the quality of play was as strong as ever, with plenty on the line as club scouts from the likes of Supersport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Jomo Cosmos Football Club’s present. Add to all of that, the allowance of professional players in the teams, and we found many a young man and woman, stepping up in admiration and in the hope of one day turning pro,” concluded the president of Safa Johannesburg, Phil Mogodi.
