Amandla FC crowned champions of Philly’s Games

Amandla FC players were named and crowned champions of the Philly’s Games 2017 following the hail storm that brought their final match against Abarondoli to a halt on December 30, 2017.

The match was then expected to be replayed on December 31, with the game starting at 0-0 score for a full 90 minutes.

After lengthy deliberations between all affected parties, Amandla FC was recognised and confirmed the winner of this annual soccer tournament. Amandla FC took away R200 000 prize money, a cup and medals.

According to the Philly’s Games Facebook page, Amandla FC and Abarondoli FC reached a mutual agreement that Amandla FC won the game on December 30 fairly and squarely and that there was no need for the final match to be played again.

The twenty-sixth edition of the Philly’s Games saw teams from different townships lock horns in the hope of pocketing the first prize of R200 000.

Amandla FC’s coach, Power Makhura, was very excited for his team to emerge victorious from this competitive tournament.

“These games were preparing our boys who also form the Swallows FC team as we have secured our place in the Nedbank Cup last 32.

“The games have enabled us to encourage our supporters to buy shares in Swallows FC.

“We, therefore, promise our supporters that Swallows FC will bounce back,” said Power.

Amandla FC players make up the Swallows FC team and they have proven to be up to any challenge of any tough tournament including the Nedbank Cup last 32 round.

Power said he would like to thank everyone who supported Amandla FC throughout the Philly’s Games.

Asked to comment on the organisation of the tournament in its entirety, he said the games were well organised.

“The organising committee of the Philly’s Games did a sterling job of getting sponsors such as SuperSport 4 who broadcast the final game live on SS4 channel.

It was enormous exposure for young talent especially for Amandla FC as we are heading to the Netbank Cup,” Power explained.

Amandla FC played the first leg of their first game on December 16 when the Philly’s Games kicked off.

For that game, Amandla FC was tipped against Amasokolara whom they beat 6-1 on aggregate.

Power said in their second match Amandla FC played against the defending champions – the Alexandra mates – on December 20 and 22 with Amandla FC winning 4-0 on aggregate.

On Dember 24 and 27 Amandla FC played against De Grandious (another team from Alexandra) and they drew 1-1 in the first leg and in the second leg the final score was 3-0 in favour of Amandla FC .

On December 28 Amandla FC played against Mafikizolo and beat them 1-0 in the first leg. In the second leg the score was 2-1 in favour of Amandla FC.

In the final game of the tournament at Makhulong stadium, Amandla FC played against Abarondoli FC and beat them 3-0. The first goal was scored by Vusumuzi Nameka, the second goal was scored by Thabo Banyana and at the end of the first half, the score was 2-0.

In the second half Thabo Banyana scored the third goal and a few minutes before the final whistle blew, a hail storm began and the game was called off.