Teams set the bar high in first Selati Cup
Two new records were set up during the first round of Selati Cup matches last week, a very promising start to the action-packed football tournament.
Selati Cup defending champions, Boschfontein FC set a new team record by beating Rovers Masters FC with 10 goals to 2 during the tournament’s first round at KaMhlushwa Stadium on Thursday.
The much-anticipated football tournament kicked off on Human Rights Day and Boschfontein FC set the bar high. One of their players, Manjoe Bojisi, scored five goals during the match, setting another new record, most goals scored by one player in a single match.
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The first of the 128 teams in the tournament faced off on various fields on Saturday, but Sunday’s fixtures drew the most attention.
In the third match at KaMhlushwa Stadium, all attention was on 2018 finalists, Langeloop Blue Crane. The team did not disappoint, showing off perfect style and a great standard of football. They beat first-time parcipants Block A Manchester United 5 goals to 1.
Despite their loss, the newbies played stunning football, pleasantly surprising fans, and made Blue Cranes sweat for their victory.
Their coach, Thulane Ntimane, said the experience they gained will empower them in the tournament next year. “I am not sad because we lost. My players showed everyone that we have skills. We know our opponents’ weaknesses. That’s why they failed to score more goals in the second half.”
New rules were instituted this year due to the amount of fights that broke out last season where supporters were injured at the finals and semi-finals.
The organisers have banned glass alcohol bottles in the stadiums and warned that there will be consequences if fans disobey. Last year they used glass bottles in their fights and threw them on the pitch during matches when they were dissatisfied with what was happening.
The local organising committee secretary, Kenneth Phiri, urged supporters not to fight in stadiums this year. “We believe most of the supporters are adults. Learn to watch the games in peace and accept it if your favourite teams lose. There is no need to misbehave.”
READ: Boschfontein FC takes 2018 Selati Cup
Only canned beverages will be allowed and hawkers have been cautioned not to sell bottled alcohol in the stadium.
A total of 20 matches have been played and a total of 135 goals scored so far.
The following teams have qualified for the next round: Boschfontein FC, Driekoppies Mashaba United, Ngwenyeni Academy (Block B Sambo), Langeloop Blue Crane, KaMhlushwa City Stars, Block Legend 45, Mbokodo Wanderers, Dludluma Albany City, Phiva FWK, Ntunda Big7, Mangweni Chealsea, Magogeni Junior Pirates, Schoemansdal Continental, Bhunya Sundowns, Block B United, God’s Army, KaMhlushwa Platinum, Schoemansdal Superstrikers, Buffelspruit Home Defenders and Skhwahlane Sunny Boys.
The first round of matches will continue at the Phiva Main Road and Masibekela Young Heroes Soccer Fields from 09:00 on Saturday and Driekoppies, KaMhlushwa and Naas Stadiums on Sunday.
Fixtures feature several of the area’s top teams, including Mayoral Cup u/21 winners Mawewe Charlton. They will face Mawewe Brazil at Naas Stadium at 11:00 on Sunday.
