Thabo Christopher September, central defender for SuperSport initiated this tournament for the benefit of all underprivileged soccer players. The aim of the event was to provide children with the necessary exposure and to boost their confidence while realising their talents.
Soccer teams now have a new and exciting goal to train for as this tournament is set to kick off each year. "I come from Knysna. I know it is sometimes hard as a township boy to make it big in sport. I just want to give back to the community and give the children, who have so much potential, the fundamental stepping stones to further their soccer careers," said September.
While watching the children take to the field, he explained, "I just want to help them before they fall through the cracks and succumb to alcohol and drug abuse. There are a great deal of opportunities out there for them. All they need is guidance. We still need to do so much in terms of our coaches, so that these children can have direction."
Out of the initial 26 teams, seven teams were selected to participate in the qualifying round on Sunday.
The overall winning teams of the tournament were FC United u/17, beating its opponent, Knysna Juniors by 1-0, while the Barca u/15 team won its match with a score of 4-1 against Bongani.
Six u/15 soccer players from Knysna and Plettenberg Bay were selected to be part of the SAFA Eden u/15 soccer team, while three others from Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn were also chosen to take part in the regional soccer tournament to take place in Oudtshoorn later this month.
In conclusion September said, "I would like to thank the Knysna Municipality for sponsoring the event and the organising committee for their assistance. I also want to say to the children that they must grab every opportunity with both their hands. Don’t take anything for granted. Everything comes with discipline and hard work."
The organising committee was very pleased with the outcome of the inaugural Thabo September Soccer Tournament, which was held at Loerie Park on Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5. In the back (from left) are Shamley Titus (organiser) Keith Harker (Knysna Municipal sports and development officer), Fezeka Magadla (organiser) and Collin Williams (organiser). In front are Derek Philander (organiser) Thabo Christopher September (central defender for SuperSport), Pontsho Moerane (co-operational officer of QT Sports), and Mandla Mthembu (operations manager of QT Sports).
A soccer player from Rheenendal, Masson Baadtjies sustained a minor injury to his neck during the tournament. Knysna Municipal sports development officer Keith Harker (left) and team coach Julian Messina (right) see to Baadtjies’ injury.
