By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – A nail-biting soccer finale saw Mabela lose to Seotlong after a tough contest match that was played on Saturday April 27 during the Freedom Day school cup tournament that was held at Bluegumbosch stadium.
The coach of Seotlong Secondary school said it has been his wish for his team to play at such a tournament so that his team of players can showcase their talents and show the community that children in rural schools also have talent when it comes to playing soccer.
Nine schools participated in this tournament, namely, Mabela Secondary School (SS), Tsebo SS, Lekgulo SS, Makwane SS, Thokoana Makaota SS, Seotlong SS, Mohaladitwe, Rantsane SS and Mafube SS.
“We have been preparing ourselves and training, hoping to play in a youth tournament such as this one so today I feel very happy about this win. Let it be known in this municipality that our children have talent and can play in big tournaments. I just saw my boys score goals and it was a good feeling,” Bongani Nhlapo the coach of Seotlong soccer team said to The Guard.
Thapelo Mokoena male chess grandmaster from Mabela secondary school.
The captain of Seotlong soccer team Tsokolo Mofokeng was over the moon after his team won this tournament.
For their part the second-place winners in this tournament Mabela soccer team were not sore losers. Their coach Pitso Mkhize said in an interview with this publication:
“As the coach of this team I am very proud of my team. Most of the kids who participate in extra mural activities are usually not that good in academics so playing in such a tournament motivates and helps them to showcase their soccer talents, so I am very happy for how my team has played.”
Third-placed Lekgulo soccer team received bronze medals while runners-up Mabela soccer team received silver medals and a soccer ball. The victorious Seotlong soccer team won gold medals, a soccer ball, a team jersey, and a trophy.
