By OBAKENG MAJE
The high-flying Queenspark Rangers FC was crowned as the new Champions of inaugural Women’s Day Top 8 Soccer Tournament held at Mighty Boys grounds in Manthe village, near Taung, on 9 and 10 August 2024. Rangers walloped Dikgwamolelo FC 3-1 in a mouth-watering final on Saturday.
The award-winning coach of Queenspark Rangers FC, Mmoloki Batlang said his players showed courage and tenacity even though they conceded in the early minutes of the game. Batlang said they played so well and he was happy when they finally found their niche and got an equaliser.
“Even though we conceded in the early minutes of the game, we did not panic. Our players showed composure and confidence, even though we were under pressure. I must say, Dikgwamolelo FC was a very formidable team and tried to keep us on the back foot.
“I am impressed by the quality of football that was displayed during the final. We assembled a virtuous team that matched them pound-for-pound and we were grateful after we were rewarded with three goals,” he said.
Batlang further said they started to assemble this team back in March 2024, in preparation for this tournament.
Dikgwamolelo FC coach, Odirile Mogadi said even though they strived and fought hard for the top place, it was not meant to be as Rangers was resilient. Mogadi added that his team failed to keep itself in tip-top shape for winning.
“If you do not have an appreciation for adversity than when faced with a difficult task the team will struggle to perform at their best. So, I must admit that the quality of players that Rangers had was out of this world.
“Our players tried, but nothing came together. So, we will go back to the drawing board and correct our mistakes. Our opponents realised that we were lacking on the right back and capitalised on that by stretching us,” he said.
Mogadi said they ended up losing possession and this resulted in Rangers scoring. He said fatigue might also have taken a toll on his players.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Day Top 8 Soccer Tournament organiser, Charlie Ramonnye said: “Indeed, we had a successful tournament and I would like to thank all stakeholders who contributed in organising the tournament of this magnitude.
“This project would not have been possible without their contribution, including all teams that participated. This was in quest of commemorating Women’s Day and saying thank you to all women across the globe. Their contribution in building a better society is unmatched.”
Ramonnye said they call on all sponsors to come on board and ensure this annual Women’s Day Top 8 Soccer Tournament continues to be a success as it it. He said the crop of players who participated in the tournament was crème de la crème.
The winner received R20 000 prize money, including new kits and medals, while the second winner received R10 000 and a new kit.
The Guardian 