A major soccer tournament that kicked off during the festive season and concluded last weekend, played a significant role in keeping young people from Khutsong and nearby towns positively engaged.

According to the organiser of the Free Spirit Cup, Paseka Chris Sepotokele, who is also the founder and director of Free Spirit Grassroots Sports Development, the competition featured players in the U13, U15, and U17 age groups.

The event was held with the assistance of the MM School Sports Foundation and started on December 17 at the school grounds of Tsitsiboga Primary School in Batswaneng, Khutsong. The semifinals were held at the Spades Grounds in Khutsong Ext 2.

Although the competition was planned to end on December22, bad weather and other unforeseen circumstances led to the final matches being played on January 17 and 18.

Various clubs battled for places. Teams from Amagundwane FC, Awesome Utd, Pitso Sports Academy, Dinowa FC, Ditlou FC, and Royal and Redlions FC played their best to see if they could win. In the end, Royal Stars FC from Khutsong won the U13 category, with Pito Sports Academy as the runners-up and Dinowa FC ending third.

Amagundwane FC from Khutsong was the U15 winners with Pitso Sports Academy being the runners-up in this age category as well. Ditlou FC was third. Pitso Sports Academy from Carletonville were crowned as winners of the U17 category, with Amagundwane FC were the runners-up. Royal FC was third.

Sepotokele has been helping youngsters from the area to develop their skills for some time.

“The reason behind these games is to get kids off the streets, and to provide more platforms for children to develop their skills and experience,” said Sepotokele.