The SPAR aQuellé Soccer Tournament 2012
Eight high-spirited and determined teams from across KwaZulu-Natal have progressed through the regional play-offs and will converge on Mpumalanga Stadium, Hammarsdale for two days in the 2012 SPAR aQuellé Soccer Tournament Finals which take place on Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 October.
The tournament which celebrates its 12th edition this year, is a respected sporting event in communities throughout the province. It was created through a collaboration between SPAR and aQuellé as a sports development programme aimed at promoting the game and helping to identify talented players in KZN.
Playing in the finals is the ultimate goal for the players in the tournament who have shown some impressive team work in regional playoffs. Advancing through to the finals gives these players an opportunity to display their talents in a professionally run tournament in a formal stadium. A total of 43 matches were played in eight areas showcasing these young players’ pace, skill and determination to succeed.
Teams qualifying for the finals are: Supatrade (Ingwavuma) SUPERSPAR, Esikhawini SUPERSPAR (Empangeni), the 2011 defending champions Taxi City SPAR (Newcastle) who have qualified for the third year in a row along with Charlie’s SUPERSPAR (Dundee), Lusikisiki SUPERSPAR (Eastern Cape), Spargs Madeira SUPERSPAR (Eastern Cape), Khonzinkosi SUPERSPAR (Tugela Ferry) and Dunbars SUPERSPAR (Midlands).
The tournament is played in a knockout fashion, with the top four teams advancing into the finals on Sunday, October 7 where the winner will raise the Don McLean Trophy.
The tournament became an officially recognised Under 23 tournament last year, the SPAR aQuellé Soccer Tournament management works together with SPAR Amazulu Football Club to ensure that talent scouts attend the event, with the possibility that any player who shines at these finals may have an opportunity to advance their career in the sport.
Rob Philipson, MD of SPAR KZN says “Twelve years ago we got together with aQuellé to form this tournament as we recognised that there was a lot of passion and potential from the youth in our trading areas. Now that this has been recognised as an official tournament, these young amateur players get a chance to advance their footballing dreams in front of talent scouts and SAFA Representatives at the finals”. “It’s wonderful to see the passion that these youngsters show and we are really pleased that we are able to help in ensuring that they have a chance to unlock their potential and live healthy lifestyles”.
The regional playoffs took place in Durban Central, Midlands, Northern KZN, Southern KZN and Zululand, which cover the majority of the SAFA-designated regions in KZN. Individual SPAR stores in the respective areas select and sponsor their own teams for the regional play-offs. The top eight teams then come to Durban for a weekend for the finals. Teams are hosted in a hotel and enjoy a welcoming dinner for the official draw on the Friday night.
SPAR KZN and aQuellé sponsor each team’s kit, transport, accommodation and meals as well as the prizes. “This year we see Taxi City SPAR from Newcastle, who have been in the semi-finals for seven straight years, along with Charles SUPERSPAR from Dundee who are in the semi-finals for the third consecutive year, with some strong new teams coming in as well.” says Philipson.
“Being able to witness the love that these amateur players have for the game and the tournament is amazing, this year’s finals is surely going to be great.” says aQuellé MD Arno Stegen. The action begins at 08:00am on Saturday, 6 October and with the semi-final and final games starting at 08:00am Sunday, 7 October. The event is open to the public and there is no entrance fee. Spectators are encouraged to come along to support the teams, and enjoy a fun-filled day with some impressive amateur soccer. There will be fun give-aways and lucky draws for spectators over the weekend.
Photos by Sophie Thompson
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