Soccer tournament heats up winter blues
Soccer players braved the cold on Sunday afternoon, determined to continue with the Newcastle Social Soccer League (NSSL) tournament.
NEWCASTLE – Soccer players braved the cold on Sunday afternoon, determined to continue with the Newcastle Social Soccer League (NSSL) tournament.
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In the Group A division, Fairleigh Sparta took on Newcastle Stars in an action-filled game. Both teams were out for a win, as a draw between them would see both teams knocked out of the tournament. Despite both teams’ stellar efforts, Newcastle Stars walked away victorious with a four-one win.
In the Group B division, Wycom played against Siyahlahla.
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In order for Wycom to proceed to the next level of the tournament, winning was paramount.
Siyahlahla drew first blood, with Mohamed Moola scoring for his team.
Determined not to lose, Wycom upped its game and managed to secure a three-one score by half time. In the second half, Siyahlahla managed to secure a quick goal to close the scoring gap. This was, however, neutralised by Wycom scoring immediately afterwards. Team players were sweating out of anticpation by this point, and when Siyahlahla was awarded a penalty shot in the final minutes of the game, players from both teams held thumbs that they would be victorious. Mohamed Moosa took the penalty shot and scored, tying the game four all, which resulted in Wycom being knocked out of the tournament.
In the next Group A match, Imbizo and Stella battled it out on the field. The game ended with a three all draw, which resulted in Stella being pushed out of the tournament.
Shining Stars faced Legends in the next Group B division match. Shining Stars destroyed Legends with a four-one score, knocking the losers out of the tournament.
The semi-finals and finals will take place on June 16.
On the day, Imbizo will tackle Siyahlahla, while Shining Stars will face Newcastle Stars.
The NSSL will continue on Sunday, June 19, where Fairleigh Sparta will take on Madrid FC at 1pm. The match up will be followed by Stella facing Shining Stars at 3pm.
Teams wishing to join the NSSL can do so, and the affiliation is R650.
On Thursday, June 23, Fairleigh will take on Siyahlahla on Ground A at the Paradise Sports Grounds at 6pm, while Stella against Madrid on Ground B at the same time.
For more information on the NSSL, contact Mervyn Maharaj on 081 388 2971.
