By OBAKENG MAJE
The coach of Indomitable Lions FC, Archie Seothaeng said even though they encountered some difficulties in the mouth-watering final against Lovely Movers FC during the Boemma Lovely Movers Top 16 Soccer Tournament in Modimong village, near Taung on Sunday, they were grateful to be crowned champions.
The Indomitable Lions FC took home a whopping R35 000, kits, medals and trophy after winning 4-2 through penalties, while Lovely Movers FC received R15 000, kits and medals.
Seothaeng said his side’s win will be a morale-booster for their encounter in the ABC Motsepe League, where they ply their trade.
“We have a virtuous squad and a lot of very good players. We felt that we were strong enough to be able to win the game, but time was not on our side. We had to immediately go straight to the penalties shoot-out after the half time interval.
“So, I reminded our players that we had to make sure that we are at our best. Not just in a tactical perspective, but also emotionally and psychologically fit,” he said.
Seothaeng further said the Boemma Lovely Movers Soccer Tournament was of a high magnitude and he is happy with the quality of football that was on display.
The coach of Lovely Movers FC, Jacob Tshilo said even though they lost in the final, his players showed discipline, dedication and determination through-out the tournament. Tshilo said his side showed pedigree and they were unlucky to miss from the penalty spot.
“It was not easy because we were playing the most formidable side, which is plying its trade in the ABC Motsepe League. So, we will go back to the drawing board and rectify our mistakes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the organiser of Boemma Lovely Movers Top 16 Soccer Tournament, Omphemetse Meto Manganeng said: “Indeed, soccer is a beautiful game. We would like to thank all those who came out in numbers to come and show unwavering support.
“Even though the weather was unfavourable, people came out in numbers. Due to time constraints, we had to go to a penalty shoot-out, immediately after the half time interval,” he said.
Manganeng said the aim of the tournament was to give players exposure. He said they always encourage them to work hard because they will never know who is watching.
“We are working hand-in-hand with other stakeholders, such as NWU Soccer Institute. So, this tournament gives the necessary exposure to players, hence we always encourage them to also concentrate on their education.
“If a player is scouted by the NWU Soccer Institute, he will be rewarded with a scholarship,” added Manganeng.
The Guardian 