Players enjoy Wentworth soccer tournament
Hosted at Ogle Road Sports Grounds, players were excited to get some much-needed game time.
BOYS were eager to play and show off their finest moves at the soccer tournament hosted in Wentworth.
The Ogle Road Sports Grounds event kicked off at 09:00 on Saturday, October 9. The field was divided evenly to allow various games to be played simultaneously.
Whether informal or structured, teams were excited to be back on the field putting in much-needed game time at the friendlies. Parent-spectator, Melusi Ngcobo, said he decided to ‘adopt’ Major Calvert FC, as he saw the great potential they were pushing.
“I think the boys played well because, for one, they set themselves up and put their own team together. They played against a good side, you could see that the other team was well organised. They took the instructions I gave them very well.”
“They were able to close their opponents at the back and middle, whereas the other team did not create that many opportunities. They lost the first half of the game which was when I decided to volunteer to try to help them. For young children who are growing up and learning, they took instructions very well.”
“I think it was a good, fair, open and free-flowing game. I am happy with its overall outcome. The boys were excited that they were able to draw against a team that beat everyone else in the tournament,” he said.
Amaqhawe Sports Academy’s coach, Nkululeko Ndaba, even though there were minor hiccups, he was grateful to have had the opportunity to play at the tournament.
“There were issues such as the referees not being up to standard. But, we overlooked that because the aim is to grow the boys in the game. I am happy they got some playtime. In terms of strategy, we need to work on that. I noticed that many players were not necessarily working together, they weren’t thinking ahead when they were in possession of the ball,” he said.
He added that Covid-19 and its restrictions had greatly impacted the boys’ game and their focus. “Winning the tournament was a bonus, I’m just grateful they got out there and played.” The final score of this U13 game was a nil draw.
