ESTCOURT KZN: Teams win big at inaugural Umtshezi Ongashi Tournament

Soccer players and fans travelled from far and wide to converge on Lambert Park last weekend. This was in anticipation of the inaugural Umtshezi Ongashi Tournament.

The two-day soccer spectacle was sponsored by Mthoko Sibisi of Meester Logistics, with big prize money for the top teams up for grabs. 18 teams from areas like Estcourt, Colenso, Ladysmith and Durban were met with wet weather at the start of the tournament on Saturday.

With the slippery field posing a risk to the players and officials alike, dry grass off-cuts were placed in the very wet areas and play continued.

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As the sun dawned on Sunday, the soccer ground began to fill up with high-spirited spectators and determined teams. Lambert Park was alive with the sounds of cheers, whistles, applause, advice and encouragement, as the spectators egged on their favourite teams.

The highlight of the day was the final between Amabhoza FC from C-Section in Wembezi and Sharks FC from Colenso.
Tight play and fast-paced action had the spectators hanging on every second before it came down to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.

Claiming victory after a score of 8-7 was Amabhoza FC. The team not only has bragging rights as the first winners of this tournament, but they also won R20,000.

Runners-up Sharks FC won R10,000.

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