Teams battle it out on the field during Jozi Friends tournament
Teams from across South Africa came together for the 10th edition of the soccer tournament.
The Florida Albion grounds came alive with action on August 8 and 9 as soccer players from across South Africa gathered for the 10th edition of the Jozi Friends Friendship Tournament.
Teams travelled from Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg, turning the two-day tournament into a celebration of soccer, friendship and camaraderie.
This year’s tournament featured four teams in the over-50 category, eight teams in the over-35 category and six teams in the senior division, providing an opportunity for players from different generations to compete, reconnect and enjoy the sport.
The atmosphere was electric, with spectators coaching from the sidelines while vendors kept the crowd fuelled with food and refreshments. On the field, the defending champions from the last tournament held in Durban battled to retain their title and glory once again.
According to Patrick Africa, the chairperson of Jozi Friends, the tournament was founded in 2016 with a simple idea of building friendships through soccer, and over the years they have grown both in size and popularity.
“We are not only a soccer club, but we are also family-oriented, and these tournaments aim to foster friendships using football as a tool.
“This year carries extra significance as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, and we do so while remembering the brothers we have lost along the way.
“This anniversary is not only about how far we have travelled, but about the people who made the journey worthwhile. Every player, organiser, sponsor and supporter who has given their time to Jozi Friends since 2016,” said Africa.
After two days of sporting action, Cherrians FC from Durban won the senior division, winning 2–0 against West Rand Sporting.
Cherrians FC and Durban Friends (both from Durban) drew 0–0 in the final for the over-35 division, and the trophy was shared.
Expats won the over-50 division against Eldos Legends with a 2–0 final score.
Events co-ordinator Angelo Van Wyk said that the tournament will move to Pietermaritzburg in 2027.
“The aim is to grow our family-oriented sports club and have our senior division grow in the sport and reach greater heights,” said Van Wyk.
