It was all ululations of joy and exhilaration on Sunday, November 19th as the Ivory park side lifted the coveted trophy at the block 7, Doornkop grounds in Snake Park. The pre-festive games sponsored by Harmony Gold Mining Company culminated into a pulsating, entertaining final for soccer enthusiasts. Under the scorching sun, the final match ended with a goalless draw, and a save by goalkeeper, Thabelang Ngoasheng (right) on a sudden death penalties shoot-out sealed the Ama2000 victorious quest.
Both sides pulled a meritorious performance displaying of subliminal football with fans blowing vuvuzelas and a surprise big drummer accompanied by chants on the touchline! The football talent scouts must have been spoilt for choice. But the bigger winner in the tournament’s 4th edition, was the ‘Sneke’ community who made sure the soccer visitors were well cushioned.
According to member of the two organisers Doornkop Student Foundation and the Soweto Young Men United, Bongani Mphoreng mentioned that Doornkop is a footballing community, having clubs that produced top flight soccer stars now playing in the Premier Soccer League.
The success of the tournament was the contribution from community members including 50 plus volunteer peace officers, the professional commentary team, organised parking attendants, cleaners, and not leaving out the refreshments traders. The match officiation was also of par excellence! Bongani also mentioned that the sale of Cup T-shirts raised funds towards school uniforms and stationery for local school kids.
The selection criteria was inviting teams around the country who had shining winning records, making the tourney a medley of “best of the best.” Goalkeeper of tournament; Thabelang Ngoasheng, Player of the tournament; Bandile ‘Shado’ Mbuli, and Top goal-scorer; Thulani Buvabuva The champions walked away with R220 000, a soccer kit and gold medals. While the runners-up l8USB pocketed R100 000, soccer kit and silver medals.The last 16 automatically qualify for the forthcoming year’s encounter.
The ecstatic Ama2000 winning coach (right), Dalton Molekwa who got a medal for best coach, mentioned that the Ivory Park side, first time coming into the tournament was grateful to be given the chance to participate in a tournament of such magnitude, and hopes to come back in the following year to defend their title.
Their quest in this spectacle is the cherry is on top, having participated in a number of competitions in the recent past, gaining an advantage over the opponents they played prior. He attributed his team success to a determination on winning and nothing less and then some! What dazzling and flowing display of the ball.
A case of young lads doing the right thing and tackling the centre stage for their skills to shine!
A breeding ground for scouts to hand-pick them for professional leagues as the coach concludes a brighter evening of celebration, that underscores his prowess making him eligible to also coach top flight football!
Two teams from the Soweto Senior Citizens’ league played a curtain raiser game, namely, Okuhle FC and Granny’s Lovers, from Green Village. What a thrill to have watched the gogo’s running and kicking ball under the scorching sun!
From the touchline, Thuli Mbatha assistant coach for Okuhle FC mentioned that the matches were played with each half timed at 25 minutes and ended with a goalless draw.
Pro gogo, Thandi Memela related that as the gogo’s, they are passionate of playing the beautiful game. They love being fit and playing relives their blood pressure, sugar diabetes, and many other ageing related ailments. She laments that the Senior Citizens league has been reduced from 16 to 10 clubs and further related that they love being viewed in action, and be exposed across the nation. Their grandchildren who are also soccer draw inspiration from them. She confidently states that all that they need is exposure and support!
The games create opportunities for informal traders surrounding the soccer field. From snacks, maotwana, delicious plates and beverages, fans were spoilt to a variety of selections.
Bakang and mom Puleng Ntshana from block 4 Doornkop under a gazebo, sold sumptuous mouth-watering garnish wors-rolls and burgers to spectators. They have been running a sustainable take away business throughout the tournament and now it’s the finals day and Puleng wishes the games were played twice a year.
The unemployed mom says she’s been sitting at home and the games brought a bit of business that she could now be able to patch up and purchase the items she needs. She related that one just cannot sit down and fold hands, but appreciated that the little profit she made would go a long way!
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
