Home News Soccer tournament celebrates friendship, community giving

Soccer tournament celebrates friendship, community giving

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The Colville Masters team took the initiative to identify the Colville Community Project, founded by the beloved Aunty Aggie, as the beneficiary of this year’s charitable effort.

Milton van Heerden and his Colville Masters team took the initiative to identify the Colville Community Project, founded by the beloved Aunty Aggie, as the beneficiary of this year’s charitable effort. Seen from left are: Milton van Heerden( Colville Masters co-ordinator), Beverley Sass (Elderado Park co-ordinator), Agnes Louw (Colville Community Project), France Dikhing (Piana Piana co-ordinator), and Carol Burger (olville Community Project). Picture: Danie van der Lith

WHAT began as a modest suggestion in 2015 by a group of friends from Gauteng to visit Kimberley for a few friendly soccer matches has blossomed into an enduring tradition.

Over the past nine years, the “Friends of the Provinces Inter-Provincial Friendship O35 Masters Tournament” has grown into a highly anticipated event that unites teams from Gauteng, Bloemfontein and Kimberley in the spirit of friendly competition and community support.

This year’s tournament, held on August 9 at Kevin Nkoane Primary School, was a remarkable event, not just for the soccer played but also for the social responsibility initiative that accompanied it.

Colville Masters FC, the host team, along with Friends of the Provinces (FOTP) Masters from Gauteng, went above and beyond the call of duty by cooking and serving meals to the elderly and children in the Homevale and Colville communities.

In addition, along with this gesture, R6,000 in cash and vouchers were also donated.

Milton van Heerden and his Colville Masters team took the initiative to identify the Colville Community Project, founded by the beloved Aunty Aggie, as the beneficiary of this year’s charitable effort.

The teams gathered and distributed groceries and vouchers to the organisation, providing much-needed support to this vital community project.

“This is what the tournament is all about,” said Local Organising Gauteng Committee member Mark A van Wyk. “It’s not just about the soccer, but about coming together to make a difference in the communities where we play. We are proud to support the Colville Community Project and are inspired by the work Aunty Aggie has done.”

The tournament itself was a showcase of talent and sportsmanship, with players and fans alike gathering to enjoy the beautiful game. For the second consecutive year, the defending champions, FOTP from Gauteng, took home the trophy as the 2024 Masters Champions.

The team swept all the award categories, with Ricklin Fourie being named Player of the Tournament, Danny Pharma as Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and Peter Billings, who dedicated his Highest Goal Scorer award to his late son, who tragically passed away six months ago.

As the tournament came to a close, the sentiment was clear: this was more than just a soccer event; it was a gathering of friends and communities united by a shared purpose.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this event,” said Van Wyk. “From the sponsors and donors to Kevin Nkoane Primary School for providing the field, and of course, the players and fans who made this day unforgettable. We look forward to next year when Piana Piana Masters will host the 10th annual Over-35 Soccer Masters Tournament in Kagiso, Gauteng.”

As the tournament concluded, the sense of camaraderie and community spirit lingered, reminding everyone involved that while trophies may be won on the field, the real victories are the positive impacts made off it.

Danny Pharma from Friends of the Provinces was declared the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Picture: Danie van der Lith
Spectators were seen enjoying the soccer on the day. Picture: Danie van der Lith
For the second consecutive year, the defending champions, the Friends of the Provinces Masters (in white) from Gauteng, took home the trophy as the 2024 Masters champions. Picture: Danie van der Lith
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