By OBAKENG MAJE
Mogopela Wonderous FC continues to show its pedigree against all odds. This was witnessed during the Thobela Top 8 Tournament final, which was held in Kgatlheng village, near Taung on Sunday.
Mogopela Wonderous FC was playing against underdogs, COVID-19 FC in the final and won 1-0 to secure a R10 000 prize money. During the game, Mogopela Wonderous FC players frequently visited the 18-yards of buoyed COVID-19 FC without any success.
However, Mogopela Wonderous FC players built confidence and self-esteem, as the game went by. This resulted in them getting the much-needed goal. Mogopela FC coach, Kagisonyana Kgokane said, he is happy with his team’s overall performance.
“It was not easy at all, but our players’ morale was high. They were also physically fit and showed resilience. What I like about them is that they showed inclusivity and diversity.
“I would like to take my hat off for them, taking into consideration that, we managed to play four games in two days and win all of them. This includes the league game,” he said.
`Kgokane further said, there were many challenges prior to this tournament, but that is now water under the bridge. He added that they have players who reside in various areas and it was difficult for them to attend training sessions all at once.
“But, at least for the past two weeks, we managed to ensure that they are all part of training sessions. So, we are happy with the progress we see in our team,” said Kgokane.
The COVID 19 FC coach, Reaobaka Maselo said even though he did not manage to win the game, he gave Mogopela Wonderous FC a ‘run for their money.’ Maselo said he pushed all barriers and there were crucial moments, where they put Mogopela Wonderous FC under pressure.
“Honestly, I am happy with the performance of our players, considering the fact that we were duped as underdogs. Obviously, we will work on some grey areas and improve. Our aim is to work towards achieving our goal by becoming one of the best performing teams in Taung,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the organisers of Thobela Top 8 Tournament, Papi Dire Mabote praised the players who took part in the tournament. Mabote said Taung has an abundance of talent that need to be nourished.
“I am actually lost for words. What I saw today, overshadowed my expectations. The tournament went so well, and also football lovers came out in numbers. This really shows that grassroots football is alive.
“We just need the correct strategy to market these players and ensure that we lure scouts to our tournaments. It is really demoralising seeing these players displaying beautiful football like this without any scouts watching.
“We tried to engage local business persons to give us a financial backing in order for us to bring scouts. However, our plea fell in deaf ears, but I would like to encourage these players not to lose hope,” he said.
Mabote said it is difficult to keep tournaments like this afloat as they run them on a shoe-string budget. He said they will decide if this will be an annual tournament or not.
TaungDailyNews 