The Heidedal-based football outfit Ocean XI FC staged another instalment of its annual Ocean XI Easter Tournament to continue the effort of growing the sport and involving youth clubs.
The tournament was played at the Clive Solomon Stadium, from 29 to 31 March.
As a plus to the success of this year’s event, two young players also supported the club by providing prizes for the three clubs that finished on the podium, as well as prizes for the best performing players.
Bloemfontein-bred Mamelodi Sundowns star player Neo Maema sponsored a substantial amount of money towards prizes for the teams, while Tyrone Mondi, a graduate of Ocean, sponsored part of the prizes for the players.
The gesture by both these players allows the spirit of charity beginning at home to thrive.
Mondi (26) is a former South African U23 team player. While studying at the University of Northwestern Ohio in America, he played for Academic All-America, Real Monarchs and Detroit City FC. This good stint in America spanned more than five years.
The involvement of the left-footed, skillful Maema (28) includes presenting coaching clinic programmes during winter holidays, to continue the effort to growing football in townships and involving the youth. He previously played for local amateur outfit James FC and cut his teeth professionally with Bloemfontein Celtic, then joined Sundowns.
Solomon Gatri, co-coach of Ocean XI, said private companies also supported the club in hosting another successful Easter Tournament, which featured 16 clubs, mainly of the youth.
“Neo and Tyrone have been examplary, sponsoring prizes,” said Gatri.
“We are grateful to everyone – security personnel at the Clive Solomon Stadium, private companies – their contribution ensured the tournament is a success.
“The teams showed discipline and the match officials contributed significantly too, hence the tournament was a success. We are hoping to maintain the good standard next year.”
Heidedal XI FC beat the 15 opponents to claim the main prize of R20 000, gold medals and a floating trophy, thus defending the title for a second year running.
The reigning champions overcame Hilton 3 – 0, with the latter side taking the runner-up prize of R10 000 and silver medals.
The third prize of R2 000 went to Infinity FC, after beating Manchaft, 2 – 1 to claim the remaining prize.
In the semifinals, the Heidedal outfit overcame Infinity 2 – 0, while Hilton outclassed Manchaft 2 – 1.
Three players who stood out in this year’s tournament each walked home with a trophy and plus R1 000 in prize money. They are: Jamie Scott, player of the tournament; Gregory Maasdorp, winner of the golden boot award; and Tisetse Seodinyane, goalkeeper of the tournament.
While the latter is of Infinity FC, the former two are of the Heidedal side. Scott received a brand new pair of boots in addition to prize money.
