By Chris Totobela
Football fans braved chilly weather and made their way to JD Dlepu Stadium in Joza last weekend and witnessed BC Tigers become champions of the Youth Day Women’s Soccer Tournament.
Teams came from many different places to take part in the event to commemorate the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976.
Top local sides navigated their way to the final claiming a few scalps on the way such Bathurst City Tigers, Mary Waters, Jacaranda Aces and Gora Pioneers.
After the group stages were done and dusted, the two in form sides of the tournament booked a date in the final that was played on Monday afternoon in a packed stadium. African Connection came up against BC Tigers in a much anticipated clash.
BC Tigers came out guns blazing as they needed to revenge their group stages defeat to the hosts. The home side kept Tigers under pressure for the first 20 minutes of the game but were guilty of not using the many opportunities they created. On other hand, Tigers had two chances and they used both effectively, taking a two-goal lead.
Connection pulled one back before the end of the first half and started pushing forward again but their efforts were halted by the halftime whistle.
In the second half, Tigers caught the hosts napping and went on to score three more goals and killed off the game. They took full advantage of the rest they had, while Connection played earlier on the day and the legs were starting to give in.
The referee brought proccedings to a halt with the final whistle.
Despite losing in the final, the home side received loud applause from Dlepu’s football loving crowd.
Speaking to Grocott’s Mail on behalf of tournament hosts African Connection, Nwabisa Tyelbooi expressed her satisfaction with how the event went. “This event was a great success as we have seen young people showcasing their God-given talent. We are happy that we provided them with that platform.”
Tyelbooi also shared her views about the disappointing results. “I think this is a lesson for our girls that if you don’t put away your chances, that will come back and haunt you. Losing is part of the game and we would like to congratulate BC Tigers and we thank all those who took part and special thanks to our sponsors who made everything possible.”
Speaking to the people at the venue before the prize presentation, ward 2 councillor, Ramie Xonxa, told the youth about the importance and significance of June 16 and urged them to take education and sport very seriously.
The goalkeeper of the tournament award went to Asanda “Skwabha” Mcwabeni of African Connection while the top goal scorer and queen of the match award went to Endinako Ntlokwana of BC Tigers. Lisakhanya Applein scooped the player of the tournament award.
Jacaranda Aces claimed third place, a huge achievement considering that they were formed just a few months ago. It was a very good weekend for women football as the girls took centre stage and entertained the crowd and next year’s edition promises to be bigger and better.
