African Pride Games: 8 senior Last 16 spots up for grabs at Phomolong
Action-packed weekend action leaves just eight places open in the seventh edition's senior Last 16 as tournament moves towards second round.
Only eight places remain up for grabs in the senior Last 16 of the African Pride Games’ seventh edition after a long weekend of action-packed football featuring both senior and U23 teams.
The final first-round senior matches will return to Phomolong Sports Ground on October 3 and October 4.
Covid-19 were the last senior side to book their place over the weekend, defeating Tembisa Red Devils 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw on September 27. Other senior matches on the same day saw Mashashane FC edge Zama Zama Kolopo FC 1-0, while One Lion FC produced one of the day’s convincing performances with a 3-0 victory over Ama Bee.
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Edenvale Stars also secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Futhi Futhi FC after capitalising on a defensive error.
Mashashane player Gift ‘Madala’ Malebana, named man of the match after his side’s win, said the result was an important confidence boost for the team.
“I feel happy because yesterday we lost in a tournament in Alexandra in the last 16, so today I feel very happy because this is the kind of win that we need to boost our confidence,” said Malebana.
“This ground is too big; all we need is to train hard and listen to each other. When one makes a mistake, we all recoup; that is all we need. Team spirit is what is needed in our team because this year has been long and difficult because we did not win a single tournament. So I hope my performance will help us reach the next stage and perform better.”
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The September 26 senior fixtures also delivered close encounters. Molototsi United defeated JHB All Stars FC 1-0, while The Rock FC fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Ezenkosiyam FC before winning 5-4 on penalties.
One of the weekend’s most anticipated matches saw fan favourites Mudagasi FC take on Nyuwas FC. Mudagasi broke the deadlock in the first half, but Nyuwas fought back after the break to level the score. Mudagasi then found a late winner to secure a 2-1 victory.
Ama Ten Ten FC completed the senior teams to book their places in the next round on the day after edging Tshakuma Papegaai 1-0.
The U23 competition also produced several entertaining encounters, with Skepe Nketole completing a comeback against Baberwa FC to claim a 3-1 victory on September 25.
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The day saw more drama, with Tshakuma Papegaai racing into a 5-0 lead before half-time against Pastor FC to secure a comfortable victory, among others. On September 24, teams such as Isithembiso FC, Nathi Nice FC, Snai 19 FC, and Diga Boys booked their tickets to the next round.
Tournament founder Phuti Lekoloane said the U23 competition was particularly important because it allows young footballers to test themselves in competitive matches while gaining exposure to coaches, officials, fellow players and the wider sporting network.
The remaining senior first-round fixtures will be played on October 3 and October 4 back at Phomolong.
The tournament will then move between venues as the competition progresses. The second round is scheduled to take place at Kanana from October 10 to October 18, before the final round moves to Rabie Ridge on October 24 and October 25.
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