Siphelele Nketo
KOKSTAD was brought to life on Tuesday, June 16, with football activities at Riverview sports ground.
The U13 and U19 tournament was organised by Kokstad Sports Club to commemorate Youth Day, while also exposing the young talents. John Motsa of the Kokstad Sports Club said that the tournament was a success thanks to the support of sponsors and contribution of football teams from Kokstad and the Eastern Cape.
He said that some teams drove all the way from Mthatha, Lusikisiki, KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) and Matatiele to compete for prizes.
“All games were played at Murray Park sports field and Jim Payne sports field, and finals took place at Riverview sports field,” he said.
There were 32 teams that participated in the U13 and U19. All the 64 teams played in different fields from Saturday, June 13, and finals on Tuesday at Riverview sports ground.
Winning the first prize in the U13 match was Eleven Attackers FC from KwaBhaca that walked away with a R2 000 cash prize, soccer kits, two soccer balls, a trophy and medals. Ixopo football club, Ofafa FC, took the second spot and left home with R1 500 in prize money, two soccer balls, kits, medals and a trophy. The third position was won by Mqanduli Fighters FC, earning R1 000 cash, a trophy, medals and two soccer balls. Mountain FC from KwaBhaca won a R500 cash prize and soccer balls.
In the U19s, Rietvlei Ever Cool FC won a R10 000 cash prize, two soccer balls, a trophy and medals for being in first place. They were followed by Sobantu FC from Kokstad that won R5 000, a trophy, medals and two soccer balls. Third place in the U19 category was occupied by Kokstad Squad FC, walking away with R3 000, medals, a trophy and two soccer balls. Lion City FC from KwaBhaca walked home with R1 000 and a soccer ball.
Motsa said that the tournament was honoured with the presence of scouts to identify local talent.
He said that a young footballer in Kokstad was identified and will join a national team in the U19 squad, while other players were selected to go through a football assessment. He said the ambition of the tournament to bring out young talent was achieved.
