Pre-season soccer continues

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KNYSNA SOCCER NEWS - With the resumption of the local soccer leagues set to take place in April, more pre-season preparation continued with another tournament over the past weekend where Knysna Swallows continued their good form.

Over the past month, clubs from all over the greater Knysna area have played in various friendly competitions.

Due to the need to rest the fields in Hornlee ahead of the Easter Tournament this weekend, the friendly tournament was played on Loerie Park's B-field.

Six teams participated, split into two groups of three, with each team playing two games in the round robin competition on Saturday 27 March.

Knysna Swallows were placed in a group with Red Eagles and FC Rebels, while United Brothers, Crossroads and Flamingo made up the second group.

Crossroads player Rezo Laminie battles United Brothers player Amahle* for the ball.

The winners of each group progressed to the final, played on Sunday 28 March.

Photo gallery: Soccer tournament at Loerie Park

In the first pool, it was the in-form Swallows who qualified, thanks to a 3-1 win over Red Eagles and a 4-2 win against Rebels. United Brothers, who have been promoted to the Knysna Local Football Association (KLFA) Domestic League for the coming season, secured their spot in the final by defeating Crossroads 4-2, before beating last season's third-placed side in the Domestic League, Flamingo, 2-0.

Swallows took flight early in the final, racing to a 1-0 lead in the first few minutes.

United Brothers fought back bravely throughout the game, but Swallows ultimately beat them 2-0, adding this win to their tournament win two weeks before.

The matches and tournaments are vital for local clubs and members of the KLFA, as they provide an efficient way for players to shake off the rust they've accumulated over the past year, which - due to Covid-19 - saw no structured soccer played.

This weekend's Easter Tournament, organised by KLFA, will see clubs battle it out for the Easter trophy.

*Players whose surnames are not published, were not provided to KPH.

Flamingo player Christopher Wells calls out for a pass. Photos: Blake Linder