Overstrand Municipality once again delivered a high spirited Mini AFCON soccer tournament (5 A side) in Zwelihle, on Saturday, 7 February 2015. The event started off by singing of the national anthem in front of the full capacity grand stands and there after the official opening and warm welcoming by ward councilor Vuyani Macotha.
The event comprised of participants from Gansbaai, Stanfords, Mt Pleasant, Zwelihle, Hawston and Kleinmond and the participants were all aged under 15.
The 8 teams were divided into two groups (Group A and Group B: four in each group). On the group stages, teams were required to play point system which will mean the two teams per group that accumulates the most points qualify for knockout stages. The teams were given names of the countries that participated in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nation in Equatorial Guinea.
Qualifiers of the knockout stages displayed some glimpse of good football skills and kept spectators entertained for the better part the games. In the first semi-final South Africa (Zwelihle team) crashed their neighbours Cape Verde (Mt Pleasant) by 5 goals to 1 to book their place on the final showdown.
On the second semi-final Mali (Zwelihle) was thought unforgettable football lessons by Ghana (Gansbaai) as they bowed out of the tournament on a match characterized by high emotions from players themselves and supporters, tears of despair were also shared in this match. The vocal home supporters of football both young and old watched in disbelief as the skillful side from Gansbaai dismantles the home side by 3 goals to nil (3-0).
On the final South Africa (Zwelihle) were crown champions of 2015 Mini AFCON Tournament after defeating Ghana (Gansbaai) by 2-0.
Throughout this event, apart from soccer, supporters were entertained by local DJ Siya with his house music mix which also attracted many passersby to come and join the crowd. The commentary box (Brine Nofotyo from DCAS) also added the value to the event’s success. At the end of the event Clr Macotha handed medals (silver and gold) and trophy to the winners and the runners up.