Selati Cup champs finally introduced
After a few months of tough matches, Driekoppies Mashaba United have been crowned the 2016 Selati Cup champions.
Driekoppies Mashaba United lifted the coveted Selati Cup crown after defeating Block A Naughty Boys 2-1 (aggregate score 3-2) at the KaMhlushwa Stadium on Sunday.
The cup has exchanged owners for the 10th time now, proving that it can never be successfully defended.
The Selati Cup started in February with 288 teams and provided soccer fans and community members with action-packed sports entertainment almost every weekend since.
Despite a few setbacks, such as the temporary closure of one of the stadiums, pavilions were packed weekend after weekend.
The final clash had to be postponed for a week after it got too dark in the stadium to continue play and the teams were tied one goal each.
Naughty Boys’ neighbours, Sambo Block B could only settle for the third spot while Mananga Royal City ended fourth.
The teams all gave their best for the most sought-after soccer crown and the most prize money in the province for an amateur soccer tournament.
The main sponsor, RCL Foods said the games were nothing short of a roaring success. “We couldn’t have done it without all our key stakeholders and the communities out there which adopted the tournament and took ownership from when it started.
“Teams, players and the many supporters knew and understood that it was never just about winning, but rather a platform to create a space for our children to showcase their talents and maybe get spotted and be given contracts by bigger clubs in professional leagues,” said Kenneth Phiri of RCL Foods.
He said looking back at where the tourney came from, he was happy and satisfied that RCL Foods played a meaningful role in developing and nurturing local talent.
This year saw the return of the ladies soccer tourney, where Mzinti Ladies walked away as the Selati Queens and Schoemansdal Super Strikers finished second. Corridor Gazette congratulates Driekoppies Mashaba United and Mzinti Ladies.
