Strikers hit form in Derby
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TWO Walmer Township sides fought it out in the final of the Soccer Derby tournament last month with the Mamayibuye Strikers defeating Real Madrid FC 3-0 in a thriller at Walmer High School.
There was no definite winner before kickoff, but by full time Mamayibuye had shown their mettle and perseverance with strong defending, visionary passing and clinical finishing against the host side.
They took their chances, capitalised on opportunities and ended their campaign in spectacular fashion with a clean sheet.
The eighth edition of the tournament took place from August 9 to 12 and was well attended.
"It was an electrifying tournament with a high standard of soccer," organiser and Real Madrid chairman Rabi Gongqa said. "It was brilliant entertainment."
There were 32 senior and 15 junior teams from various football associations in the region that competed for the top prize.
Gongqa said Madrid were beaten by a B side which consisted of Vodacom League players.
But Madrid played well against these players, although failing to capitalise on scoring chances.
The derby was sponsored by various businessmen, with total prize money of R24000.
The Mamayibuye Strikers pocketed R15000, a trophy and gold medals, while Real Madrid FC collected R7000 and silver medals.
The third and fourth teams received R1000 each.
While the seniors walked away with cash, junior teams won soccer boots and balls.
The event also included clubs from the Cacadu region, such as the tournament's defending champions, Manchester United, and the Ndlambe region.
Past tournaments have featured players who have later turned professional. These include former Bay United players Luntu Mazandi and Siyabulela Songwiqi, now playing for Santos.
With the slogan "Together we can fight crime", the Walmer Soccer Derby aimed to highlight the problem of crime and encourage young men to lead an honest life.
"We want to fight crime and engage youngsters in the game of soccer," Gongqa said.
He added the two finalist teams play in the Walmer Football Association league.
Mamayibuye Strikers ended in sixth position on the table with Real Madrid FC trailing three positions behind them last season.
The new season has not yet kicked off.