January 10, 2006
By Tshepiso Seopa
WITH R15 000, a trophy, gold medals and soccer kit at stake for the winner of the KwaMahlobo Festive Games, not even the rain can dampen the mood ahead of the finals, to be played on Saturday, 14 January.
Initially scheduled for Sunday, 8 January, the soccer competition finals had to be postponed by a week because of the rain.
In the first semi-final of the day Selelekele High School will play Diepkloof Siyabangelela at 9am, followed by the second semi-finals between Meadowlands Highlands and Meadowlands Haaibo at 11am.
The winners of these two matches will compete for the championship at 4pm that afternoon.
"We apologise to the supporters for the inconvenience on Sunday," said the games' public relations officer Dlogolo Ntenjwa.
"The ground where the games are played is a soil pitch that does not have drainage facilities, making it impossible to play when it is raining or after it has rained."
Many spectators turned up on Sunday expecting to watch the finals, and were disappointed when the games were postponed.
The KwaMahlobo grounds are dry and rough with no lawn; for the spectators it is a case of bring your own chair - anything from a crate, bench or a brick - or sit on the hard ground.
"Because of the nature of the games and the name of the tournament, there is no way that the finals could have been played at another venue. The games have to be played at the KwaMahlobo grounds," Ntenjwa said.
Players like Arthur Zwane of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates' Benedict "Tso" Vilakazi have played in the festive season tournament.
"With the Premier Soccer League still in recess for the Christmas break, a lot of people are hungry for a game of soccer. We as the organisers of the games we apologise for the inconvenience," Ntenjwa said.
"[However] we promise a great final on Saturday. All the teams are eager to play and there is a lot at stake for the teams."
The winners will take home a cheque of R15 000, a trophy, 20 gold medals and a soccer kit. The runners up take home R5 000, a trophy, 20 silver medals and a soccer kit.
Third and fourth placed teams will each get R1 000 and a soccer kit.
During the break between the semis and the final, spectators will be entertained by the Soweto Marimba Band, Tap-Tsula Dancers, Dora's Dancers and other artists.
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