UNATHI OBOSE
The Philippi-based teams Sea Robbers FC and Seven X Netball have become champions of Jerry Bobi Youth Soccer and the u-21 Netball Tournament held at Lwandle Sports Complex. The tournament kicked off on Friday 7 and continued until Saturday 15 March.
The Sea Robbers from Browns Farm beat Bazuka United FC from Lwandle 4-2 on penalties after the game ended in a goalless draw.
They walked away with R10 000, a floating trophy and gold medals, while Bazuka received R5 000 and silver medals. The losing semi-finals walked away with R1 000 each.
In netball Seven X from Acacia beat Teddy Bear from Lwandle 17-13. Seven X won R5 000, a floating trophy and gold medals while Teddy Bear received only R2 500 and silver medals. The losing semi-finals received R500 each.
Tournament organiser Jerry Bobi described it as a platform for young players to showcase their talent. He said the aim was to take the young people away from the streets. Bobi declared that the tournament was scheduled to be a weekend tournament but because the number of the soccer teams that joined they were compelled to extend it.
“The tournament was scheduled to start on Friday 7 until Sunday 9 March. In netball everything went according to plan as we had 10 teams only. They finished on Sunday 9 March. In soccer we were anticipating at least 16 teams, but the number of the teams increased to 22. We had to extend it until Saturday 15 March,” explained Bobi.
He said he is planning that the tournament to becomes an annual event.
“For the last four years the tournament was known as a Big Daddy Tournament. Then I took over this year and I decided to change it to be a Jerry Bobi Soccer and Girls Tournament. We are happy with the reception that we received from the community. And it is something that we will do annually,” said Bobi.
Sea Robbers coach Asanga Mkwelo said they are happy with their performance. He said it was the first time his team participated in the tournament.
“We worked very hard preparing for the tournament. We had to put so much effort and focus on the game. Some of our games started at 08:00. We had to sacrifice and went to camp so that we wouldn’t struggle to find the players when we went in the morning,” said Mkwelo, adding that they had to take money from their pockets to feed the players. He stated that the money they won will make a difference as they will buy soccer equipment.
