There was joy and heartbreak in Zwide as real Dodgers were crowned the Eastern Cape’s provincial KIA Street Soccer Champions. On a warm August afternoon, the Zwide community descended on Java Street to watch the first of five provincial finals. The drama was palpable from the first blow of the referee’s whistle as the twelve teams from Uitenhage, Motherwell, New Brighton, Zwide, Veeplaas and KwaZakhele played for a berth in the national final. For the 72 players it was agonisingly close to fulfilling a dream, as the chance to be on a plane and to see the bright city lights of Johannesburg loomed large in the mind.
The skill on display surpassed the level we’d seen during the league stages. It was intense down to the final match between Real Dodgers of Zwide and the aptly-named Veeplaas from Veeplaas, a solitary goal from the penalty spot the difference as Real Dodgers booked a spot on the flight to Johannesburg to the national final! Joy for the winning team, but devastation on the faces of the Veeplaas team, some of them inconsolable as they walked up to get their runners-up prizes.
Well done to Real Dodgers and to all the teams that have given their all over the past three months. They have truly inspired us.
Thanks to our sponsors and partners Kia Motors, Foodzone, Supersport Let’s Play, Dawn Wing Global Express, Mille, Good Hope FM, ProNutro; our PSL partners Ajax Cape Town, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates; as well as the provincial Departments of Health for the continued support.