A great deal of planning and co-ordination has gone into the conception of the KIA Street Soccer as a whole, on Wednesday Gugulethu Square contained an electric ambiance, one resembling that of a perfectly planned sport festival. Our first Provincial Final has set the tone for the remaining ones (underway in the next two weeks) and Sporting Chance looks forward to the continued action.
Sporting Chance made its way to Gugulethu in the morning and set up all branding, marked the pitches, erected the floating Mille ball and waited for the champion teams to descend. By the time the participants arrived, all the arrangements were in place and all that was left to do was for the teams to kick-off!
Officially opening the finals was Good Hope fm’s Carl Wastie, a genuine sport lover, with a witty sense of humour who continuously stressed the importance of sportsmanship to the young participants. After the singing of the national anthem, the first whistle blew and the competition got underway!
Despite the winter elements, spectators came out in numbers, further highlighting the importance and significance of this community initiative. Local and National media houses also made the event a priority, and arrived at the peak of the games to document this profoundly touching experience.
What made this event even more impactful, was the fact that everyone involved, both directly and indirectly, came out on the day and showed genuine and undeniable support for the young players.
Mille’s freestylers and the local Abavuki Marimba band, provided the entertainment which added immensely to the already electrifying atmosphere.
After a tough afternoon of round robin matches and competitive semi finals, it was Mitchell’s Plain’s ‘Good Hope’ and Macassar’s ‘Orlando Pirates’ that would contest for the title. The skills and passion on display were spectacular, and in the end it was the team from Mitchell’s Plain that emerged as deserved winners with a 2-1 victory.
An ecstatic Mitchell’s Plain team showed their elation after bagging the title of KIA Street Soccer Western Cape Champs, and the fantastic Mille prizes that go with it. Opportunity beckons for the team of six, who proudly wore their Mille champion packs and ProNutro tog bags as they dream of their trip to the national final.
The entire Western Cape contingency congratulated them and wished them well, as they endeavour to bring back the much sought after national trophy on the 14th of September.
No one left empty handed and it was thanks to refreshment sponsor McDonald’s that all participants received burgers, chips and a cool drink as a going home treat.
We continue to thank our sponsors, you have all played an instrumental role in this entire process and deserve to share in its success- title sponsors KIA Motors; technical sponsor Mille; logistical partner Dawn Wing; associate sponsor Kruger Bets CSI; Media partners Super Sport Let’s Play, Good Hope fm and Ukhozi fm; and PSL partners Ajax Cape Town and Amazulu.
