KNYSNA NEWS - Last weekend the local masters football club, Kasi Masters, took part in the George Heritage Tournament, a football competition that pits masters (over 35) footballers from around the country against one another.
The tournament is relatively new, having only started in 2016 with four teams (Celtics, Hoekwil, Thembalethu and Dahlians from Johannesburg) at the Rosemoor Stadium in George, with Dahlians winning the inaugural title.
The following year the tournament more than doubled in size with 10 teams from Qgeberha, Knysna, George, and Johannesburg taking part in the 2017 edition. Knysna's representatives, Kasi Masters, won their first Heritage title that year.
A year later and 2018 participation increased again to 16 teams for a format of four groups made up of four teams. Kasi Masters successfully defended their title and is the only club that holds two Heritage titles.
The 2019 edition of the tournament stayed at 16 teams and Indwe of Cape Town were crowned as champions. There was no tournament in 2020 due to Covid-19, but it returned this year with nine teams - one group of five teams and one group of four.
It was held from 24 to 26 September in George, and Knysna side Kasi Masters was placed in Group B, the group of four, alongside CB19 Legends, Brazilian Chiefs and Ratanang.
Kasi Masters faced the eventual tournament champions, CB19, in their first match, managing to edge them 2-1. Next up were Brazilian Chiefs who were unable to field a side for the match, handing Kasi Masters a 2-0 walk-over win.
A 4-2 win against Ratanang in their final group stage game meant Kasi Masters finished top of the group, setting up a semi-final clash with Young Pirates.
Unfortunately this is where Kasi Masters' journey came to an end, as they lost 4-3.
Having won their semi-final against Strand Legends 3-1, CB19 went on to win the tournament by beating Young Pirates with the same scoreline for their first Heritage Tournament title.
Kasi Masters management expressed immense gratitude to local businessmen Toney Wei, Chan Wei, Zwelidumile Mlisana, Vusumzi Gungu and councillors Mncedisi Skhosana, Sithembele Ngqezu, Thando Matika and Aubrey Tsengwa for their support. Without their help and support, Kasi Masters' tournament would not have been possible.
The Kasi Masters (white) and Young Pirates (blue) teams that clashed in the semi-final.
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