Northerns applauded for exceptional tournament
A total of 106 teams took part in the tournament, with over 300 matches being played in the two days of the tournament.
The Tshiama Academy chairperson Carel Tshiama Mambe thanked the organisers of the Benoni Northerns FC tournament, expressing his “heartfelt gratitude” and “appreciation for an exceptional” competition.
“The event was a resounding success and we are thrilled to have been a part of it,” said Mamba
“It provided a fantastic platform for our young players to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience and develop their passion for the beautiful game,” Mambe added.
Tshiama Academy was one of 106 teams that participated in the second instalment of the annual tournament on March 15 and 16. Over 300 matches were played over the two days with around 1 400 players taking to the field while around 9 000 spectators enjoyed the action on both days.
The organiser, Justin dos Santos of Juzz Sports and Events, echoed Mambe’s words, saying the two days of competition were phenomenal, adding that it was rewarding seeing the fields packed with spectators.
He thanked the six main sponsors, including Pick ‘n Pay Oakfields, Crazy Plastics and Shield, for their support.
“It was phenomenal. We had 58 teams competing on March 15 and 48 on the final day. It was good competitive football from the start to the finish. The sponsors were brilliant. Without them, none of this would have been possible,” he said.
Dos Santos reiterated his love for the Northerns, saying he organised the tournament to help improve the club.
“It’s all about giving back to Northerns for all they’ve done for me. I’m helping the club raise funds. I’m helping improve and making the club better.”
While the inaugural tournament in 2024 saw outright winners, this year the finals were characterised by close encounters, with several teams winning their divisions by penalty shootouts.
Bundas B defeated Rovers via the penalty lottery to win the U7 division while Tshiama Academy narrowly beat BNFC Prem 2-1 to clinch the U8 trophy.
Alberton Prem dominated Kempton Park Prem 3-1 in the U9s final and BNFC Prem won the U10s title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Rovers Prem.
Rest of the results:
• U10 – BNFC Prem 1-0 Rovers Prem
• U11 – Highlands Park A beat Old Bens via penalties
• U12 – Rovers U11 1-0 Kempton Park Prem
• U13 – Highlands Park beat Sundowns U12 by penalties
• U15 – BNFC Prem beat Brakpan Spurs by penalties
Also Read: Carli ready to make his mark at BNFC
Also Read: Same story as week before for BNFC first XI
