Pinkies FC clinches Noks City Soccer Festival
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Photo: Rorisang Matea
Pinkies FC from Nokaneng are the new champions of the second edition of Noks City Soccer Festival. This is after they defeated a stubborn Libangeni Sports Academy (LSA) by three goals to nil in an exciting cup final at a packed Nokaneng Stadium. The champions went through to the finals having conceded once in the entire top 16 spectacular that produced a total of 34 goals.
Sponsored by Mahlako A Tholo Events, Busachamone Integrated Services Company and Circle Seven Trading 26, they said the aim is to unearth local talent and open up opportunities to youngsters including aspiring footballers from Nokaneng and other surrounding areas of Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality to realise their dreams of playing in professional set-ups.
Last year’s winners Rap-City FC from Rapotokwane were knocked out in the semis by the current title-holders in a four goal thriller.
The final match was blessed by the presence of Kgosigadi Gloria Lefifi of Barolong Ba Lefifi Tribe together with her entourage to watch and support the football competition.
She honored the organizers for the job well done and encouraged other key local business people to follow suit and help in improving the lives of ordinary residents of Nokaneng and nearby villages through sports.
Phodisho Dikobe who is the head of the organizing committee spoke on behalf of the sponsors saying she was thrilled by how the tournament unfolded.
“I am happy at how the four days went. The work that was done behind the scene to prepare for this magnificent production was second to none. I give credit to the team that I work with in making sure that we bring the best for the people of Nokaneng and our invited guests,” said Dikobe.
She added that their vision as the organisers of the cup competition remains clear and that is to give back to the community through sports development.
Former Baroka Football Club head coach Kgoloko Thobejane who is known for his famous phrase of “football will kill you real death” was also in attendance and he heaped praises to the tournament dubbing it one of the best to be staged.
“To be honest, I have picked up something which other soccer festivities fail to apply and that is professionalism. Personally, I take off my hat to the people behind this project and long may it continue,” he cited.
Pinkies FC as the newly crowned champs walked away with R50 000, a trophy, gold medals and three soccer kits. Runner’s up LSA settled for silver medals, three soccer kits and R20 000 cash prize. Meanwhile, the semi-finalist both Bana Bae Rata and Rap City scored two soccer kits and R7 000 each.
