GBV focal point of tournament
The aim of the soccer tournament was to bring awareness to the GBV pandemic.
Fans, family and friends gathered at the annual Lion Stars u-17 tournament held at the Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld High School fields on May 15.
It was the fourth instalment of the tournament and soccer players were seen showcasing their talents as the teams vied for the number one spot.
Due to last year’s hard lockdown, the tournament had to be cancelled.
The tournament was organised by Kempton Park’s Lion Stars Youth Foundation and was themed No to Women and Children Abuse.
“The aim of the tournament was to bring awareness to the GBV pandemic. We believe these boys are our future fathers and husbands, so what better way to teach them early on how to treat women,” said Amanda Odoemelam, chairperson at Lion Stars Youth Foundation.
“We also wanted to incorporate the awareness with them having fun by doing what they love the most, playing soccer.”
Eight teams from across the country took part in the tournament, including Impumelelo FC, Saint Academy, Liverpool Development, Sportive Development, Black Shallow, Madrid Academy and Walliers Farm FC.
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The teams were split into two groups and though there were a few close calls, Lion Stars and Walliers went head-to-head in the finals.
It was a nail-biting final which resulted in 0-0 score at full-time.
Walliers wrapped up the tournament with a 6-7 win in a close penalty shoot-out.
The local team not only made it to the final but two of their players received awards during the prize-giving.
Siphe Malinga was awarded top goal scorer of the tournament, while Mike Msimango bagged the Best Player of the Tournament award.
Ntokozo Magangane from Walliers received the Best Coach of the Tournament award.
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