“We’re excited that we will be representing our country in the finals and we hope to go through by winning the ultimate prize that is to go to Russia FIFA World Cup in June,” says Kgopolo “Ngobe” Dabula, who also registered a goal for his side.
Although they lost Royal Lakes FC still put on a brave face and according to goalkeeper Tebogo “Stix” Mofolo, they faced a more experienced side because both sides have met on many a games.
“What caused the problem for us, we lost the momentum and that was our downfall but I think we should work on that shortcoming in future,” said the dejected but soft speaking “Stix” as he made his way to collect losers medals.
Launched in SA by former Cameroonian national team striker Samuel Eto’o, who is also a four-time recipient of the African Footballer of the Year award and has played in three World Cup tournaments, the Castle Lager 5’s tournament is open to players who have been tasked with forming five-a-side teams with their friends to play the beautiful game, build close circles of camaraderie and share a round of the friendship brew.
Mentor and ‘psychologist’ Brian “Spider” Baloyi who is heading Team South Africa says Five-a-side is such an exciting form of football, it is more casual but also very fast-paced and exciting.
“This tournament is a great way of bringing people together but I was also pleased with the talent I came across while watching. I am definitely looking forward to mentoring these young men, from the determination they should this past weekend, they truly have what it takes to score a trip to Russia,” quipped the worried but composed “Spider” whose side Kaizer Chiefs were humiliated on the same day next door at FNB Stadium by Chippa United in the PSL clash that led to unsavoury scenes.
The tourney is the first of its kind and is set to become the hub of where friendships will be created, nurtured and cemented on the football field.
“The tournament has been a huge success and we are excited to be shaping the culture of South African football through this new sponsorship initiative. This partnership aims to impact the lives of many football loving fans across the continent whilst simultaneously creating friendship bonds.
It was a resounding success and already we’re making plans for next year”, says Castle Brand Manager-Africa, Thomas Lawrence, who did not divulge much on the plans head.
The Continental finals (to run from May 24 to 28 in Lusaka) affords the winners to be drawn from Lesotho, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, SA and host Zambia, who will then use their skills to score a trip to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia in June.
