Kempton Park FC U8 team secures spot for international tournament
The participation fee, determined by the number of players attending, was set at R30 000 for Kempton Park FC's 11 players and one coach.
Kempton Park FC’s U8 team has been granted the exciting opportunity to participate in the renowned Ibercup tournament, scheduled to take place from December 12 to 16.
The tournament not only offers a chance for teams to compete on an international stage but also holds a thrilling prize for the champions: a trip to Portugal in 2025.
Simbongile Baqwa, the club’s vice-chairperson, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment, emphasising what a significant milestone this is for their amateur club.
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“This is a big deal for us, as it allows our players to compete against teams from other countries,” Baqwa said.
The team’s participation was confirmed after a formal request to join the tournament was approved.
“The participation fee, calculated based on the number of players attending, was set at R30 000 for our 11 players and one coach. Thankfully, we were able to cover the cost through generous donations,” Baqwa said.
With the tournament fast approaching, the team kicked off preparations on November 25.
According to Baqwa, the coach will begin by assessing the players’ fitness levels to determine the intensity of the physical conditioning required.
To sharpen their skills, a series of friendly matches is being arranged, although finding opponents during the off-season has posed a challenge.
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The primary focus of the training sessions will be on building a solid team formation and structure, both offensively and defensively.
“Possession of the ball will be key, as the technical level of the teams in this tournament is expected to be exceptionally high,” Baqwa said.
