ZWIDE Pirates member, Thembinkosi Josopu, organised a successful Heroes Cup Easter Soccer Tournament for the less fortunate communities of Veeplaas, Zwide and Soweto Townships.
Josopu said he had decided to look for sponsorship since Zwide, Veeplaas and Soweto townships do not have any sporting activity during the Easter weekend.
Josopu said, “I have noticed that the youth in our areas indulge in drugs and alcohol abuse and they end up doing crime. I told myself that sport has the potential to bring people together. And they are talented in football.
“I approached Marina Sea Salt to assist our communities with sponsorship to run the Easter Tournament.
“I explained to them that my vision is to combat substance abuse and to develop talent and a rounded player. Then Marina Sea Salt came to our rescue,” said Josopu.
The 16 teams that participated in the Heroes Cup Easter Soccer Tournament were Zwide Pirates, Soweto Angels, Real Crusaders, Shooting Stars, Shining Stars, Missionvale United, Morning Stars, Blackburn, Young Aces, Rainbow City, Sophakama, Kuyasa United Brothers, Major Chiefs, Manchester City, Golden Arrows and Mighty Warriors.
The teams were divided into four groups that started the tournament in a round robin stage and ended in a knockout stage. The quarter-finals were played at the full house Zwide Stadium on Sunday.
Heroes Cup Easter Soccer Tournament quarter-finals:
Shooting Stars 2-1 Golden Aces
Shining Stars 2-1 Zwide Pirates
Sophakama 1(3)-1(2) Gal City (penalties)
Major Chiefs 3-1 Kuyasa United Brothers
