“Soccer is alive in Bergrivier Municipality. Well done to all the players, especially the winning clubs that performed exceptionally well on the pitch at this year’s Bergrivier Mayoral Soccer Cup.”
These were the words of Ray van Rooy, Executive Mayor of Bergrivier, who hosted the Bergrivier Mayoral Soccer Cup held at the Eric Goldsmith Sports Ground in Velddrif. The event took place on Freedom Day, 27 April.
A total of eight teams from across the Bergrivier municipal area took part, namely Piketberg Spurs FC, Atlantic Rovers FC, Young Stars FC, Young Chiefs FC, Porterville Hotspurs FC, Yizo Yizo FC, Piketberg United FC and Rasta Milan FC participated in this competition.
On a cold and misty Thursday morning approximately 300 spectators made their way to the stadium to support their favourite local soccer club. The Mayoral Soccer Cup was designed to create a platform to allow players an opportunity to showcase their talents and empower local clubs.
The tournament consisted of two divisions, namely Division A (South African Breweries League) and Division B (Local Football Association League). The final rankings for Division A (from top) were Atlantic Rovers FC, Yizo Yizo FC, Young Chiefs FC and Rasta Milan FC, while Young Stars FC won Division B and in second place was Piketberg United FC. Third place in Division B went to Porterville Hotspurs FC and in fourth was Piketberg Spurs FC.
Emotions were high as all teams battled it out to be crowned as the winners of the Bergrivier Mayoral Soccer Cup.
The Mayor concluded that even though the tournament was very competitive, the clubs respected one another on the pitch and the matches were played with good energy and discipline.
The best players on the day were as follows:. Best goalkeeper – Zidan Coetzee (Division A) and Thabo Tiba (Division B);. Best midfielder of the tournament – Justin du Toit (Division A) and Emmanuel Kayster (Division B); . Best defender – Sibongile Sikeyi (Division A) and Ephraim Tandayde (Division B);. Best striker – Marius Gelant (Division A) and Bronwyn Koordom (Division B); and. Top goal scorer of the tournament – McNeal Sauls (Division A) and Aymila Nkohla (Division B).
Van Rooy explained that sports development remains one of the Municipality’s top priorities.
“By investing resources to create a platform of this standard we will encourage the youth to showcase their talents and simultaneously participate in an active lifestyle,” he said.
He concluded by saying: “We would like to take this opportunity to convey our appreciation to the Bergrivier Sport and Recreation Association for their continuous support and partnership. We would like to thank Riviera Hotel, OK Foods Velddrif, Charlie’s Brewhouse (Russel Foster), Tuboseal and Westland Fisheries, for their contribution towards the success of the tournament. Thank you all the soccer teams and supporters, who made this event most memorable.”
