WeeklySA_AdminPLOUGHBACK: Former Moroka Swallows star give youngsters a chance to exhibit their skills in 40 teams knockout tournament
By Ali Mphaki
Shibobos, tsamaya, and shiyas were the order of the day when the Steve Sekano Tournament kicked off at the popular Kwa-Mahlobo grounds in Meadowlands,Soweto. last weekend.
The incessant rain of these past few days could do nothing to dampen the spirit of both spectators and protagonists featuring in the annual tournament now in its ninth-year running.
The tournament initially featured 32 under-19 boys soccer teams, nine girls-omly soccer teams, and eight netball teams.
The teams come from various parts of Gauteng, like Sebokeng, Kagiso, and Soweto.
The knockout tournament enters its second leg this weekend, with all -girls soccer teams taking centre stage on Saturday, November 22.
Dubbed Ladies Top 8, kicking off proceedings is the unpredictable Girls United pitted against Emea FC, at 10am.
The second match features W C Ladies against Khukza Stars, followed by MTO Stars versus United Ladies, and culminating in the final match of the day in involving FS Ladies against K O Ladies at 15.30.
The tournament moves into top gear on Sunday, this time featuring a top 8 knockout involving under-19 boys teams that won their last weekend games to proceed into the quarter-finals.
Among the teams that made it include Khokza Stars. Amahlobuka. Prestige Academy and Movers FC.
Based on a knockout system, the tournament will culminate in the finals scheduled for November 29, which will take place at the CTM Sports Field in Meadowlands, Zone 9.
What will certainly bring some cheer and nostalgia, will be a match before the finals featuring Moroka Swallows legends against another legends team known as Izinja ze Game.
The Moroka Swallows legends will feature luminaries such as Mark Van Wyk, Lefa Tsutsulupa, Molefi Ntsoeleng, Mark Haskin, Bareki Lerefole and others.
An excited Sekano said the tournament is part of his Foundation’s quest to make a dent on the challenges faced by the youth and communities at large, such as GBV, drug abuse, etc.
“We trying to create awareness through sport,” he said.
Bringing a smile on Sekano’s face is the recent signing of a partnership with Olday Foundation, under renewed development businessman and philanthropist Keith Nkuna.
Two two were previously involved in running a Meadowlands-based team known as Nkuna FC, with Sekano as head coach.
Nkuna said the partnership will bring added vroom to the Steve Sekano tournament, with increased prices and goodies for all the participating teams.
“Without saying much, watch us next year when the tournament will be bigger and better, “ added Nkuna.
For this chapter of the tournament, winners are guaranteed trophies, medals as well as an undisclosed price money. There will also be stalls selling food and snacks.
To show Ubuntu, both the Steve Sekano and Oldclay foubdations have promised to provide free meals for the elderly coming to watch the youngsters at play.
It promises to be a fun-filled tournament with all the thrils and spills typical of SA ‘s townships football football. Sekano added that be was happy about the state of the Kwa-Mahlobo grounds and was looking forward to a succedul ninth chapter of his tournament.
Let the games begin!
Local security company ArmRite will be out on full force to ensure the safety of all attending the games.
