Glencore ‘dribbles’ and ‘passes’ the love of soccer to young soccer enthusiasts

There is so much truth in the well-known saying that sport unites everyone.

April 13, 2023

Zita Goldswain 2 minutes read

Glencore’s Easter Soccer Tournament deserves a standing ovation.

This tournament hosted a soccer spectacular of note in the community over the Easter weekend.

Glencore partnered with the South African Football Association Nkangala Region (Safa), Community Football (Commfoot) Programme, and the eMalahleni Local Football Association (LFA) to help support young, local soccer players and coaches from communities around eMalahleni.

Part of Glencore’s task is to ensure that youth development is promoted through activities such as sports, arts, and culture.

Looking at the sheer excitement on the faces of the future soccer stars it was evident that the entity succeeded in the task.

The venues all around the municipality were packed with excited soccer fans, excited soccer players, and eager-to-learn coaches who enjoyed every game.

The draw was held at the Tshwane University of Technology Emalahleni Campus, on Saturday, April 1.

All the quarterfinalists in the age divisions from U13 to U19 teams were represented by their coaches at the draw.

Thushanang United FC in the golden stream u.19 was drawn against Kriel United FC after beating Mpumalanga Black Aces FC in the semi-finals of the preliminary round of the competition was happy to be drawn against Future Stars FC who were unheard of until their breakout season having been relegated in the 2020/21 season.

This encounter on April 9 at Reyno Park produced some expected fireworks.

The U13s and U15s squared off at Kriel, Thubelihle, Outline Ground A and Ground B on April 7.

The u.17 showdown was held at Ezinambeni and White Pole on April 8.

The u.19 girls who were on their maiden campaign in the Emalahleni LFA Female league this season scuffled for a spot for the finals.

It was goals galore in the girl’s tournament when Sbobo Ladies FC took on Attackers FC in the later games with the latter challenging for the league title with already ready 55 scored in six matches.

In the U19 age group for boys, Thushanang United FC and Attackers FC ended up in the top eight.