Soccer tournament builds social cohesion

The second annual Jack’s Foundation Soccer Tournament was successfully held at Dig’s Land Football Club sports field in Makgodu village outside Polokwane recently. With this event local businessperson Jack Rapatsa aims to bring young people together and encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Rapatsa was born and bred in the area and is a former mayor of Victor Khanye Local Municipality. Eight soccer teams from the village engaged in the action which had a trophy, medals and cash prizes at stake. Rapatsa said this was a way of getting the community together and affording young people an opportunity to showcase their talent.
“All the participating teams got cash prizes and two soccer balls. I bought full soccer kits for Old Rock FC u.13 team and for two masters’ teams in the area. We also invited local businesses to sells goods during the tournament and I am happy with the support we got from both young and old people in the community,” said Rapatsa.
The tournament was characterised by lots of action and display of talent before Old Rock FC was crowned the champions after defeating Star City Development 4 – 2 on penalty shoot-outs. The rivals drew 2 – 2 after 90 minutes of play to proceed to penalties. Old Rock received a R3 000 cash prize, trophy and gold medals while Star City Development walked away with R2 000 and silver medals. The third spot went to Dream Team FC who defeated Dig’s Land FC 4 – 2 on penalties. Dream Land scooped R1 500 while Dig’s Land received R1 000. The last four teams each received R500 in cash for their participation. They are Star City FC, Old Rock Development, Laliga FC and Chelsea FC.
Football fanatics were also entertained by two masters’ teams from the area, Masters Masokolara and Masters2. Masters2 won 1 – 0 to claim R700 and Masokolara R300.
The tournament organiser, Jack Kgakoa emphasised that all the teams played well and he was pleased with the turnout. He further said Star City Development player Zungu Nonyana was named man of the tournament after his best performance throughout the tournament and received soccer boots and R200 in cash.

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za