APAX hosts ASM Standard Bank National Soccer Tournament

The tournament, which spanned three days, saw 26 schools with 87 teams participate, in front of thousands of spectators.

After the necessary formalities, the opening day of the tournament, saw the various age groups kick-start the event. This event also had a historical first as it was televised live by Hilaal Tv on DStv which meant thousands of homes throughout the country, watching the games.

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Referees, volunteers, officials, and local organising (Loc) committee are said to have ensured the games, which were seven a side, 15 minutes in duration, went off efficiently despite some time constraints. The end of the first round meant teams went on to the next round on a knockout basis.

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These rounds generated much enthusiasm, and excitement from spectators for their respective teams. It saw some of the schools lose out on penalties despite winning all the previous games an aspect that brought many learners to tears.

Standard Bank CEO, Mohammed Ameen is proud to have been part of the last two tournaments organised under the AMS banner. “In a game of soccer only one team can win, and, the best team won,” he says.

Chairperson of the Gauteng/Northern Provinces Sports Forum, Haneef Akoojee, concluded, “The success of this event was due to the teamwork of the Loc members who spent many a day and night taking into account all the aspects it takes to organise a mammoth event of this nature.”

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The following teams won in their respective categories:

• U9 Hartley Muslim School
• U11 Roshnee Muslim School
• U13 and U15 Al Falaah
• U17 Lenasia Muslim School

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