Big Six crowned social soccer champions

Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday July 21, 2016 09:36

Big Six emerged victorious after beating Spoko Rangers in the final. The winners walked away with gold medals and a trophy in a tournament sponsored for P18,000 by The Good Samaritan Foundation.

It was an interesting final which saw Rangers enjoy a 1-0 lead in the first half until the dying minutes of the match. Big Six player, Richard Maturure rose above everyone to equalise and take the match to penalties where his side triumphed 5-4.

Rangers walked away with silver medals and a trophy.

Third position went to Matlapeng who left with bronze medals and a trophy. All teams were given P1,000 appearance fee, nets, playing kits, two football balls each and first aid kits. One of the organisers, Duna ‘Bruno’ Kgotle told Mmegi Sport after the tournament that they had a successful event. He said social football has a tag meant for those who drink alcohol, but said they did not record any incidents.

“We are trying to turn around the public’s perception of these games. We have seen many people coming to watch the matches. Everybody was happy and those who were drinking, they did not display any bad behaviour. Those who lost accepted the results,” he said.

Kgotle said the intention is to have the tournament twice a year. He said they are still to discuss the idea in detail. He said some of the teams were on the brink of collapsing and the tournament had brought them to life. He said they avoided giving teams prize money to avoid misunderstandings. But instead gave them appearance fees.

The sponsor of the tournament, Kabo Morwaeng admitted that the public never took social teams seriously. He said the teams organised the tournament professionally without any hiccups. Morwaeng said the tournament kept the residents busy during the holidays.

“It went very well. It goes along with our ideas of promoting sport in the country. It also goes along with being healthy. The next instalment is expected to be bigger,” he said.  Other teams that took part in the competition were MoAfrika, Blue House, African Legends, Mmakgoroba and Dikwena Masters.