Post-Easter Top 4 Tournament a healthy boost for grassroots soccer
THE RECENTLY-concluded Post-Easter Top 4 Soccer Tournament that took place at the De Vees soccer ground on Sunday was a thrilling spectacle from start to finish, with Kappa United ultimately securing the trophy and the bragging rights after a thrilling final against the tournament hosts.
Playing on a sand and gravel covered pitch with not a blade of grass in sight, the condition of the field circumstances did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the competitors.
Three local teams, De Vees United, Jacksonville FC and Kappa United, along with Royal Chiefs from Petrusburg, battled it out for the honours on Sunday, facing off in a series of matches to determine the winner of the coveted trophy.
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In the first semi-final, De Vees United edged out Jacksonville FC in a closely contested match winning the contest with a score of 2-1, securing their spot in the final. In the second semi-final, Kappa United put on a dominant display, beating Royal Chiefs 4-1 to book their place in the final against the tournament hosts.
The final match saw excited supporters from both sides enthusiastically cheering on their respective teams. However, things took an unexpected and unpleasant turn when the Kappa United team displayed unsportsmanlike behaviour during the final. So bad was their behaviour that it almost led to the tournament being called off.
But after several conversations with the Kappa United players and coach, the situation was diffused and the tournament continued.
At the end of regulation time, the match was locked in a 2-2 draw, with both teams, it must be said, putting on an impressive display. The match went to penalties and Kappa United held their nerve and ultimately prevailed, winning 5-4 to take home the trophy.
Despite the controversy surrounding Kappa United’s behaviour in the final, the tournament was still a success. Before the tournament the chairman of hosts De Vees United, Sipho Mkize, had emphasised that the tournament was about more than just winning, saying that it would be an opportunity for the players in the clubs to explore and play against clubs from different areas, and for managers to develop and build relationships.
And in the end, the tournament achieved that goal of creating relationships between the participating clubs.
The top goal scorer award and coach of the tournament award were unfortunately cancelled due to the conflict caused by Kappa United. However, Emmanuel from De Vees United was named goalkeeper of the tournament.
In light of their impressive performance throughout the tournament, De Vees United deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication. The team has a strong mission to positively impact the development of youth in their community by providing soccer and life-enriching opportunities to young players.
The club aims to raise the level of soccer in their city and province while also promoting a healthy lifestyle by keeping young players away from substance abuse and destructive behaviour.
De Vees United is also reaching out to businesses in the area as well as family and friends for support in the form of sponsorship, making it clear that any sponsorship would be greatly appreciated, adding that a full soccer kit donation will earn the sponsor a proud team sponsor title and their business logo on the team’s jerseys.
Anybody who would like to get involved can contact De Vees team manager Sipho Mkhize 078 984 7877
Looking back, Post-Easter Top 4 Soccer Tournament was a great success, despite the controversial behaviour of one of the teams. The fact that the tournament achieved its goal of creating relationships between the clubs means that the future of soccer in Kimberley looks bright, and we look forward to the next tournament, which will be hosted by the Royal Chiefs.