All systems in place for Easter showpiece

EAST London Central Local Football Association hosted its 2nd Edition Cliffie Brown/Leon Meyer 33rd Anniversary Football Tournament draw at a glittering ceremony at the North End Stadium last Friday.

Eastern Cape director-general of Human Settlement Gaster Sharpley delivered an inspiring speech touching on the legacy of the 66year-old North End Easter tournament which over the years symbolised unity and diversity among the various communities and the roles the late ANC activists Cliffie Brown and Leon Meyer played in the fight against apartheid.

The 16-club senior event produced an exciting first round draw. The tournament officially commences tomorrow evening at North End when Buffalo City Sports Academy fight it out with Atlantic Spurs at 6.30pm and Swaraj cross swords with Conquerors at 8pm.

There will be an exciting programme on Good Friday with the opening ceremony set for 5pm at the stadium.

Star of India, the 2015 Easter tournament champions, face Gauteng-based The Guys, winners of the 2002 Easter title, at 8pm in the main encounter on the night.

Old and fierce rivals Seagulls and Parkside United clash in another mouthwatering first round knockout fixture at 6.30pm after the opening ceremony.

The most successful Easter champions, Saints, were drawn to face Cape Town’s Belstar in the opening round at 2pm.

Riverside lock horns with StutterheimDangerous Darkies at 12.30pm and Pride of India contend with King-based Hellenic at 3.30pm. Brothers of Peace have a tough opening encounter against PE’s Shamrocks at 11am.

The Impala Electrical-sponsored U18 competition will be played on a round-robin basis with the clubs split into two groups of four teams and the top two sides advancing to the semifinal knockout stage.

Leeds, Pride of India, Seagulls and Riverside are in one group, while Millan, Swaraj, Buffalo City Sports Academy and Braelyn United in the other. The U18’s kick off on Friday at 11am at the Showgrounds.

The Masters section, also played on a round-robin basis, with four groups of three teams. The top two sides advance to the quarterfinal knockout stage. Group 1 is: Leeds, Seagulls, defending champions Belstar and Nestlé. Group 2 is: Mdantsane Police, Cambridge All Stars and MBSA Masters, while Group 3 comprises Rovers, Atlantic Spurs and Riverside. Making up Group 4 are Central United, Breidbach Masters and Prides.

Masters start their action on Friday at 11am at the Parkside Main Grounds.