Manyeunyeu FC takes home spoils of Bakone soccer tourney
Manyeunyeu FC proved to be the best soccer team around Dikgale village after being crowned Bakone Soccer Tournament champions during the first annual Bakone Soccer Tournament, which was held by Gaefele Enterprise from 16 to 27 December in Ga-Dikgale.
LIMPOPO – Manyeunyeu FC proved to be the best soccer team around Dikgale village after being crowned Bakone Soccer Tournament champions during the first annual Bakone Soccer Tournament, which was held by Gaefele Enterprise from 16 to 27 December in Ga-Dikgale.
The team claimed the trophy, R12 000 cash prize and soccer kits after beating Mantheding Heroes FC 4-1 in the penalty shootouts. The game between the two rivals ended with a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of play and had to proceed to penalties.
Heroes FC went home with R8 000 and a set of soccer kits for claiming the second position while Junior Chiefs and Sebayeng Highlanders got R5 000 and set of soccer kits, while R3 000 and a set of soccer kit for position three and four respectively.
Manyeunyeu won 3-0 against Junior Chiefs in the semi-finals to proceed to the finals while Heroes FC won 4-2 in the penalty shoot-outs against Highlanders FC.
According to Ben Mashao, the tournament organiser the tournament serves as an attempt to create a positive outlet for the community.
He explained that the aim of the tournament is to take children off the streets, to eradicate crime in the area and show the community they can grow to become better people through soccer.
“The other objective of this tournament is to give young players an opportunity to mingle with professional soccer coaches and scouts so that they can have an idea on what exactly is expected from a soccer player if they want to make it big.
“We also invited soccer agents and sports administrators in the province as well as representatives from the sponsors, and former professional soccer players from this area such as Joseph Stimela Baloyi, and Edward Magents Motale,” said Mashao.
He said it is his dream to see players from Ga-Dikgale playing for one of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams one day.
Bakone Soccer Tournament individual awards:
• Outstanding player of the tournament – Shuffle of Manyeunyeu – R35 000 bursary courtesy of MYMYF.
• Players’ Player of the Tournament – Etoo Makgoba of Junior Chiefs – Pair of soccer boots courtesy of PM Marketing.
• Player of the Tournament – Messi of Mantheding Heroes – R16 500 bursary courtesy of Boston Business College and City Campus and a trophy.
• Leading Goalscorer with five goals – Selelo Juju Mothiba of Junior Chiefs.
• Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Nico of Manyeunyeu.
