Winnie Mandela Primary wins the Blue Ribbon Thembisa soccer tournament
Blue Ribbon employees motivated young players before they took to the field to battle it out and be crowned champions of Thembisa.
After a tough battle between various Thembisa primary schools at Winnie Mandela Primary School soccer grounds on March 20, two teams were selected to participate in the final.
Winnie Mandela Primary and OR Tambo achieved the highest points after each team played three games.
Although both teams conceded goals while fighting to play in the finals, they managed to secure the top two spots for the tournament final.
Before the final match, Blue Ribbon employees shook the hands of the players to motivate them before they took to the field to fight it out to be crowned champions of Thembisa.
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Both teams tried to net the ball in the first half, but could not succeed, as they did not even attempt to score.
Siyanqoba Moyo gave OR Tambo a lead just a few minutes into the second half, increasing their chances of winning the tournament.
However, Xolani Methula extinguished their excitement by scoring an equaliser for Winnie Mandela.
Winnie Mandela dominated the second half, creating more chances and strengthening their defence.
OR Tambo’s defence was slacking, and Methula took advantage of that and scored the winning goal, defeating OR Tambo 2-1.
When the referee blew the full-time whistle, the ground was filled with supporters, who gave the young boys the celebration they deserved.
Winnie Mandela Primary School was then crowned the 2024 Thembisa Soccer Tournament champions.
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Premier Blue Ribbon data integration specialist Salmaan Latib, praised Winnie Mandela Primary School for its effort, especially for winning the tournament in its home ground.
“Winnie Mandela, being on their home ground, deserved to win after playing so well the entire tournament.
Knowing that there is such young talent available to showcase in Thembisa makes our partnership with Kaizer Chiefs so much stronger and I hope these children get to be the Ballon d’Or winners in the future.”
Latib thanked the community of Thembisa for allowing Blue Ribbon to be part of the history of making talents.
Premier Blue Ribbon sales manager Anton Tsaoane encouraged and motivated OR Tambo Primary School after the school lost the tournament’s final match.
“Although OR Tambo lost, they are winners too because they managed to reach the finals. The competition was too high, and they must keep their heads and sharpen their skills because we will be back again next year.”
OR Tambo coach Sive Nompula said playing in the final felt like a reward they have been waiting for because they have been preparing for the tournament since they received an invite for participation.
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However, he added that it hurt that they could not win the tournament.
“The boys and I were very disappointed after losing the final. They were crying, and I had to be strong and console them, although you could see tears in my eyes.”
He congratulated the players from Winnie Mandela on their win.
Players from Winnie Mandela were over the moon following their win.
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Winnie Mandela Primary School coach Peter Malatji said he was ecstatic when he realised the team were the Thembisa Soccer Tournament champions.
“I am proud of my boys. They did great. I was hoping for a win but also expecting the worst. In the end, our hard efforts and commitment paid off. It was a job well done,” Malatji said.
Kempton Express News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFCgQQ4NViqzTKFGb31
