By OBAKENG MAJE
Mighty Boys Football Club continues to show its pedigree in local football in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region. This comes after they won Olehile Annual Football Tournament in style at Manokwane village, Taung on Sunday.
Manthe-based club took home a whopping R20 000 including a trophy and gold medals after walloping a buoyed Taung Mega Stars FC 1-0 in a mouthwatering final.
The Mighty Boys FC coach, Charlie Rabannye could not hide his excitement and dedicated this win to all supporters of their team.
“We are so excited to be crowned the winners of this tournament. We are also happy to see our boys doing great as this is their opportunity to showcase their talents. I always say that Taung has an abundance of talents and tournaments like these open doors for younger players.
“We have worked so hard to be where we are. I would also like to congratulate the organisers, all our supporters from Manthe village who came out in numbers and everyone who took part in making sure that we win this tournament. Our players also raised the bar and having players like Thabang “Mahommed” Katong in the field, played a crucial role in encouraging our youngsters to develop skills,” Ramonnye said.
Mighty Boys FC utility player, Tumelo “My Boy” Maritshi was crowned as the player of the tournament. Maritshi said he was over the moon for his achievements.
“I am so grateful to be crowned the man of the tournament. This really shows that with discipline, dedication, and determination, one can go far. I pray to God that one day I reach I’m dream of playing professional football.
“I am working hard to ensure that I achieve my dream and I’ll also encourage other players to soldier on and make sure that they achieve their dreams. I will continue to work hard and hope that eventually, the light at the end of the tunnel will be of the coming train.”
Meanwhile, Taung Mega Stars FC coach, Keaobaka Makoloi said they used the tournament as preparation for a pre-season. He said they have roped in new nine players in his team and they performed beyond expectations.
“I am not disappointed at all after losing in the finals. This tournament was a good start for us as you know we are plying our trade in the ABC Motsepe League. We have introduced new players to our team and so far, so good.
“Even though we would have like to win the finals, this is not a train smash as we have seen improvements in our players especially beyond technical skills,” he said.
Taung Mega Stars FC received R10 000 price and silver medals.
One of the tournament organisers, Tlotlego Mokgalagadi said football was the winner at the end of the day. Mokgalagadi congratulated Mighty Boys FC for winning the tournament.
“Tournaments like these encourage the growth of grassroots football. The aim of this tournament was to keep grassroots football alive. Remember, to keep grassroots football alive, one needs funding and we encourage local business people to contribute.
“The tournament helps players to improve their football skills and we always encourage clubs to bring in their U-19 players. We have rewarded teams by giving them trophies and also awarding players who have had the best effort. This also gives scouts the opportunity to identify players they are looking for,” he said.
The Guardian 