Friends undo Newlands to walk away with final
SAFA Durban Central held its Hollywoodbets Easter soccer tournament over the long weekend at two venues in Durban and it’s being hailed by officials as one of the most successful events in years.
Durban Central president Errol Sewnarain said they secured a sponsorship of R60 000 for the tourney.
“This was the first time we decided to split to tournament, with the seniors playing in Wentworth while the junior divisions did battle at the George Campbell School grounds,” said Sewnarain.
“The idea behind the move was to take soccer to areas outside Durban Central. I am glad that the community of Wentworth received us well and turned out in large numbers to support the event.”
Sewnarain said the surprise package in the senior tournament was the performance of Newlands FC.
“Newlands beat Safa Chatsworth team Summerfield Dynamos 5-4 in the quarter-finals to set up a date with defending champions Young Cavaliers.
“Cavaliers were the favourites to advance through to the finals, but their aspirations were dashed by a gallant Newlands who beat them 4-2.
“However, Newlands were undone in the final when they were beaten 2-0 by ABC Motsepe League (third tier, after the PSL) side Friends FC. Prolific Friends striker Brandon Stoffels scored in the first half to seal the win.
“Although Newlands came back fighting in the second half, hitting the posts on numerous occasions, the Friends’ defence was resolute and they held off the challenge that Newlands’ strikers posed,” said Sewnarain.
Friends took home R20 000 cash, trophies and medals sponsored by the KZN Department of Sports and Recreation as well as jerseys from Laurus Sports.
Newlands went home with R5 000 cash, medals, trophies and individual hamper bags from Hollywoodbets.
Sewnarain said the junior section of the tournament was played in three age groups: Under-13s, 15s and 17s.
“National First Division team AmaZulu FC showed they have strong junior structures in place by reaching the finals of all three groups.
“In the U13 contest they beat Sensokuhle FC 2-1. This was a tightly contested affair and the standard of soccer on display by these youngsters was awesome.”
Sewnarain said AmaZulu’s effort to make in clean sweep in the junior section of the tournament suffered a setback in the U15 division when new Safa Durban Central affiliate Durban Madrid won 3-1.
However, they bounced back to winning ways in the U17 contest when AmaZulu beat Jamarie Sports 1-0.
“The U17 final was a tense affair and the match could have gone either way. It was also pleasing to see soccer scouts attend the tournament. By the end of the event, at least six of the players had been approached by scouts,” said Sewnarain.
The players of the tournament in all three divisions won iPads, while the winning teams and runners-up won medals and trophies.