Amaroto Football club have capped off a successful football year in a dramatic style by becoming the first team to lift the inaugural Thebeyatumelo MacDonald Galeshewe under 17 soccer tournament cup following a 5-4 win on penalties over House of Belgium at the Tshepisong sports grounds on Wednesday 18 December 2024.
The inaugural event brought together enthusiastic participants and spectators in a vibrant display of an electric atmosphere, sportsmanship and community spirit exceeding expectations, with a remarkable turnout from the local youth.
The scintillating football tournament, a brainchild of ward councillor Thebeyatumelo MacDonald Galeshewe with the support of Harmony Gold mine in Doornkop is aimed at unearthing football talent and raising awareness on the adverse effects of drugs and substance abuse among the youth. “We recognise the impact of sports in bringing people together and providing a platform for youth to showcase their skills. We understand that young people need opportunities to display their talent and for this to happen we need to have more of these tournaments.”
Galeshewe added that the tournament is a testament by ’s commitment towards promoting local sports.“This tournament is aimed at equipping the youngsters with core values, knowledge and skills needed to realise their full potential as footballers of the next generation. Tournaments like should be encouraged because there can produce a lot of talents and players for PSL”, remarked Galeshewe. He further extended his gratitude to the loyal supporters from all clubs, whose unwavering dedication was instrumental in the tournament’s success.
In the first top 8 match Skeem Sam squared off against House of Belgium in a clash of titans. Despite Skeem Sam’s valiant efforts, House of Belgium showcased their supremacy on the field, notching an impressive 5-3 on penalties, leaving their opponents reeling in defeat. Tshepisong West United faced a formidable challenge from Amaroto Football club, and in the end, it was Amaroto who emerged victorious, narrowly edging out their opponents with a hard fought 1-0 win, much to the dismay of Tshepisong united, who had dared to dream of an upset. With the stage set for the third game showdown, Jealous Down and Tshepisong Young boys took to the field to compete for the spot in the quarter finals. In a thrilling encounter that had spectators on the edge of their seats, Tshepisong Young Boys emerged triumphant with a narrow 5-3 victory on penalties.
But the pinnacle drama erupted in the championship match, where House of Belgium, clashed with the tournament underdogs, Amaroto, who in a stunning turn of events, defied the odds by clinching a historic victory, and sending shockwaves through the soccer community. The two teams had to overcome tough opponents in the semi-finals, with Amaroto FC defeating Tshepisong Young Boys 5-1 and House of Belgium edging out Liberty FC 4-3 on penalties.
Amaroto FC walked away with R10 000 for their hard fought victory, while House of Belgium settled for R5 000 as the runners-up. Skeem Saam’s goalkeeper Nhlanhla Sandlemi was awarded the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Amaroto’s Randzo Mndebele was the highest goalscorer, with 5 goals. The best player of the tournament was awarded to Paballo Kgwabane.
As the final whistle echoed across the field, signalling the end of the 2024 tournament, the legacy of the Thebeyatumelo MacDonald Galeshewe Soccer Tournament continued to resonate, serving as a beacon of inspiration to soccer enthusiasts across communities.
Thapelo Magola
Soweto Sunrise News
