Eastern Cape pull out all the stops for NYC

PLANS are already underway for this year’s New Year’s Cup (NYC) which is set to be played in four Eastern Cape cities.

The tournament, which sees 32 teams from across the country battle it out for the grand prize of R100 000, began in 2016 in Grahamstown and last year’s edition had some games played out in Port Elizabeth.

Chairman Luyanda Papu said this week that they would be going for onsite visits in Mthatha, Komani, Grahamstown and PE at the end of January.

“This tournament proves to be the gateway to success for Eastern Cape talent.

“We need four cities to host the New Year’s Cup this year.

“This will be the first amateur tournament to be hosted in four host cities as our primary objective is to reach all corners of the province.”

He described last month’s tournament as “electrifying”.

Safa president Danny Jordaan, head of Laliga Africa, Antonio Barradas and Chippa United coaching staff were among the guests.

“The turnout was fantastic. We doubled the numbers from last year.

“JD Dlephu stadium packed to the rafters.

“It is all good to see communities rally behind their teams in December especially on Christmas Day and New Year’s eve.

Papu said that the 130 goals that were scored in the tournament clearly proved that the event produced plenty of excitement and deserved full public support.

He said the tournament was was contributing towards a positive change in soccer in the province.

“NYC has made a dramatic change in the communities of the Eastern Cape and Grahamstown and our goal is to change lives of communities through sport.”

Speaking about last year’s tournament, Papu said all 32 teams had showed great determination.

“It was an enthralling tournament in all stages of the game, where talent has been shown off and discovered.”

Some of the last 16 games were played in PE.

“Securing a spot in the top eight was not smooth sailing, the tension raised the bar and all teams gave their all. Unfortunately it was only eight teams that moved to the next round, where all the eight battled for a spot in the top four.

“In the knock-out stages it was survival of the fittest, skills and experience were key in moving to the next stage.”

The teams that made it to the top four were Maru FC from Grahamstown, Young Chiefs from Alice, Amavarara FC from Komani and Sophia Young Stars from Grahamstown.

Maru FC, who were the 2016 winners, defended their tittle by beating Young Chiefs 3-2.

They walked away with the R100 000, gold medals, a set of playing kit and sponsor’s packages.

Young Chiefs were rewarded with R50 000, silver medals, a set of playing kit as well as sponsorship packages.

Third-place winners Amavarara won R25 000 while Sophia Young Stars took home R20 000.

Papu said all 32 teams received 10 balls while top performing players and referees were also awarded individual prizes.