Overland FC wins Elkasico Cup
AS Roma won 4–0 against Zone 3 FC to book their sport in the finals.
Overland FC is the champions of the 2024 Elkasico Cup Top 16 Tournament after a 1–0 victory in the nail-biting final against AS Roma FC at Vosloorus Stadium on April 1.
Despite many opportunities, both sides played a goalless first half before Thando Sigwayi scored the only goal from a header 59 minutes into the second half.
They clinched the title of the highly contested tournament, competing against popular clubs with a good track record in big tournaments like Wattville United, AT Mambas, Jozi Express, Polokwane, FS Vultures, Young Pirates, Umlilo, Amazayoni, Via Vosloo, The Lagend Café, Zone 3, Peace Lovers, Super 10 and Istimela sase Marimba.
Coach David Singo said it was not easy for them as this was their first tournament where they fielded their young players against experienced players.
They managed clean sheets to the final.
“I told my boys that if they want to be the best they must play against the best. They performed well in the finals but were tired. We played four days without resting and two of our key defenders sustained injuries,” Singo.
“The coach of Overland Thabiso Dubazana said they observed how AS Roma was beating everyone without conceding a goal ahead of the final. And they had speedy and skilful wingers,” he emphasized.
He said he brought in coach Jukes Mourihno to assist.
“We had boys that are extremely tactical and we had to close them down so that they do not get to positions where they can score goals. We had seen that some of their goals were coming from set pieces. There was a guy who scored two-out-of-two free kicks,” said Dubazana.
“To win the game I told my players that the opponents were playing close to each other, so I instructed my players to open them by passing the ball to middle and back to the wing, cross and finish with a header.”
The tournament was hosted by Elkasico Cup Sports Network (ECSN) with support from various sponsors.
ECSN co-founder, sponsorship and marketing officer Kefentse Moagi said the Elkasico Cup 2024 Easter Edition concluded with resounding success, showcasing thrilling and outstanding talent.
He said two or three players’ exceptional performances caught the eye of a certain PSL team.
“Additionally, several teams campaigning in the NFD have also shown interest in a handful of players, highlighting the tournament’s role in fostering football talent,” Moagi noted.
“We as the ECSN extend heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors – Hollywood Bets, Vodacom, Princemed EMS, 1Voucher and Flash Mobile Vending – whose support had been instrumental in the ECSN organizing initiatives that unite, connect and uplift communities.”
Prizes
• The champions Overland won R 50 000, kit, medals and a floating trophy.
• Runner-ups AS Roma received a R20 000 cash prize, kit and medals.
• The third and fourth prizes are new kits.
