First veteran event a knockout

Nine clubs tussle in ‘good spirit’

BREIDBACH Masters staged their first ever football tournament, which brought a carnival atmosphere to the Breidbach sports grounds recently.

The inaugural over-35 football tournament saw nine clubs compete for R3000 in prize money and a floating trophy.

Zwelitsha All Stars emerged as the winners, taking home the trophy, along with R2000 in prize money.

East Londoners, Riverside walked away with the R1000 runners-up prize.

The other clubs which participated included Atlantic Spurs and Rovers (East London), Mdantsane SAPS, King Classics (from Ginsberg), Violets, Masters and Legends of Breidbach.

Masters secretary, Sean Carelse said the knockout tournament was played in good spirit.

Each half was just 30 minutes long.

“The sportsmanship was good, and the competition tough as there were two games which were determined on a penalty shootout [due to a draw],” Carelse said.

“I would like to commend all the teams that participated for showing great sportsmanship and discipline throughout the tournament, as well as the supporters who attended the event in their numbers.”

Club chairman Jusuf Arends said the tournament was the first in the history of the club and a big step in the right direction.

“The club was established in 2004 and is one of the oldest veteran clubs [clubs for only over-35s] in Buffalo City Metro and the event was long due to celebrate our milestone,” Arends said.

“The event served as a forerunner for the annual Easter tournament in East London and I am optimistic that the experience gained will come in handy.”

He attributed the success of the tournament to the phenomenal support from the business sector and the hard work of his entire team for “going the extra mile”.

“We received a beautiful trophy from Fredo’s, cash contributions from Nicks Foods SUPERSPAR, Shaun Naidoo Attorneys and from a donor who wanted to remain anonymous.

“All our spaza shop owners within our community contributed with much-needed donations and on behalf of the club I want to say a big thank you,” Arends said.