Bank supports Alex football

Alex Young Lions Football Club’s senior team were crowned champions of the inaugural Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association Cup.

They beat all before them, starting from the last 16 right up to the final, in which they disposed of a colourful Gunners 1-0 in a goal that was scored in the first half of the game played at Three Square Sports Facility.

The crowning of the Lions comes hot on the heels of yet another Lions’ side, the U15 team, roaring all the way to the Spring Championships which was played at the same stadium in October. The U15 team beat Brothers Development 3-1 in penalties to be crowned champions of the Alexandra Masters Soccer League-sponsored tournament.

Secretary general of the association, Mafika Morajane congratulated the Lions for yet another trophy in their cabinet, saying it showed there was something good they were doing in nurturing the talent of the boys and ensuring they reach their full potential.

He also congratulated the Gunners for reaching the final. “Though beaten, you are still great as you have shown by reaching the finals. The fact that you have come this far shows the sporting pedigree in you as well,” Morajane said.

Morajane spoke of the fireworks that characterised the final game, as Gunners came back fighting in the second half in the hope of getting the elusive goals that could have easily seen them too being crowned champions. The first half belonged mainly to the Lions.

For their efforts, the Lions walked away with the cup, gold medals and a R3 000 cheque, while Gunners received the consolation price of R2 000 and silver medals. The bronze went to Rangers who beat Alex Junior City 2-1 and also collected a cheque of R1 000 as third place and bronze medals.

All these trophies and medals were sponsored by African Bank and Morajane could not stop heaping praise on the bank for its sponsorship. “We are so delighted that they have promised to come back next year and also look into the possibility of a long-term relationship with the association.”

African Bank also sponsored three mini trophies for man of the match and the goal of the tournament, both of which went to Lions’ players, while the best defender trophy went to a Gunners player.

African Bank representative Modise Molefe described the cup final as, “A match of a lifetime as I saw raw talent at its best and without jumping the gun, I can promise that we shall be in Alex again come next year. I have already made a commitment to the association,” Molefe said.