Central flexes its muscle with thrilling fare

The East London Central Local Football Club will celebrate a remarkable milestone when the football institution with arguably the most organised youth football development structures in the region host its sixth Anniversary Youth and Senior Football Knockout Tournament this week starting on Wednesday and concluding on Monday (Heritage Day) at the North End Stadium.

The non-profit football organisation will also pay tribute to one of its top administrators with the hosting of this event, the late Shane Benny, who tragically passed away on April 3 this year.

The U16 Joe Hendricks Memorial knockout quarterfinals took place on Wednesday and the Deolin Willemse-sponsored U21 knockout last eight is on Thursday.

The senior tournament draw last Friday evening produced interesting drawcards. Newly crowned First Division league champions Imonti Christian Centre has been drawn to face 2013 EL Central first Anniversary KO champions Seagulls on Years on and the Youth and Senior Football knockouts tournament still going strong Friday evening at 8pm while Industrial outfit Yanfeng cross swords with Parkside United at 6.30pm.

The senior knockout first round action and the U10 and U12 knockout quarterfinals continues on Saturday at the North End Stadium.

The biggest clash of the senior first round on Saturday is at 8pm between 2013 EL Central second Anniversary KO champions Pride of India and DiRoma. Twice (2015 and 2016) EL Central Anniversary KO champions Star of India has been drawn to

12.30pm.

The other first round senior KO fixtures see Atlantic Spurs taking on Swaraj, Riverside face Alphen Warriors, FC East London and Saints do battle and Central United take on newly promoted Leeds United in all First Division cup ties.

The U14 KO quarterfinals is scheduled to take place in Parkside on Saturday.

On Sunday all cup semifinals will take place at the North End Stadium, Showgrounds and in Parkside. — DDC face Conquerors at