The Free State Provincial Government, in collaboration with the South African Football Association (SAFA) in the Free State, recently culminated the inaugural Premier’s Cup Soccer Tournament in Mangaung with great success. This tournament, launched by Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, stands as a testament to the province's commitment to promoting sports, particularly soccer, within its borders.
The event, hosted at the prestigious Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium, aimed to fill the void left by the sale of Bloemfontein Celtic FC and Free State Stars FC, ensuring that the province still thrives in the realm of professional and semi-professional soccer. With the absence of such teams, the Premier’s Cup Tournament emerged as a beacon of hope, providing a platform for local talent to flourish and potentially ascend to the National First Division.
Limakatso Mahasa, the MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in the Free State, expressed the significance of the Premier’s Cup in fostering a robust soccer culture within the province. She emphasized the tournament's objective to lay a strong foundation for professional and semi-professional teams while facilitating the identification of local talent for higher divisions. Mahasa's confidence in the initiative's positive outcomes resonated throughout the event.
Sixteen teams vied for glory in the tournament, each receiving a participation fee of R100,000 to bolster the development of Free State clubs. Among the semifinalists were Bloemfontein Celtic FC, Super Eagles FC, FC Spartans, and Sibanye Golden Stars FC. The intense competition saw FC Spartans clinch victory against Super Eagles with a score of 2-1, while Bloemfontein Celtic triumphed over Sibanye Golden Stars with a clean 2-0 win.
The battle for third place ensued between Sibanye Golden Stars and Super Eagles, with Sibanye emerging victorious in a tense penalty shootout, securing a 5-4 win. However, the spotlight ultimately fell on the climactic showdown between Bloemfontein Celtic and Spartans FC in the tournament final.
In a thrilling encounter, Bloemfontein Celtic emerged triumphant with a narrow 1-0 victory over Spartans FC, claiming the coveted R200,000 prize. Their triumph didn't end there as they also secured the R20,000 MoMo Goals for Goodwill cheque from MTN, showcasing their dominance on and off the field.
The successful conclusion of the Premier’s Cup marks the dawn of a new era for soccer in the Free State province. With its resounding success, the tournament not only celebrates the spirit of competition but also signifies the resurgence of professional and semi-professional soccer within the region. As the province continues to nurture its soccer talent, the Premier’s Cup stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes and fans alike, promising a bright future for soccer in the Free State.
Comments