Ballito FC announce their arrival

Ballito’s new soccer club, Ballito Football Club, showed great finesse at the Durban Central Local Football Association Easter tournament last weekend.

Ballito FC players gave Villa Park a hard time when they played their first game of the tournament on Friday morning at the Campbell Grounds in Durban.

They dominated the game in the first half and it was no surprise when left back Lulama Mphetshwa netted an excellent header.

In the second half, midfielder Maliviwe Mathongo was displaying his show-boating skills, conjuring up some incredible passes to the wingers. Ballito FC could have been counted unlucky to concede the equaliser when their defense was caught off guard towards the end of the game to make the final score 1-1.

Their second game was against the much stronger Clare Celtics and they gave the Ballito boys’ skill a more thorough examination. The game was played at a fast pace with the wingers of Celtic constantly asking questions of the Ballito defense. The Ballito FC keeper stepped up and made some superb saves throughout the game. Celtic scored their first goal in the first half and that seemed to kick the Ballito players into high gear. It wasn’t long before Ballito striker, Daniel Coetsee, scored a brilliant equalising goal. They kept on putting pressure on the Celtic defense and towards the end of the game, their endless attacks paid off as Bongani Gumede netted a penalty with the final score 2-1.

Ballito FC were ultimately knocked-out of the tournament by eventual title winners, the Young Cavaliers, going down 4 -2 in their match on Sunday.

Coach Mark Joubert said he was impressed with the performances of his young team, taking into consideration that they had only two training sessions together before the tournament.

“I think we must work a little bit harder on our fitness and finishing. It was the first time the players played together as a team, they did very well,” said Joubert.

The team will be competing in the Durban Central Local Football Association league, expected to start at the end of April.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.