Spring Cup Tournament 2023

From 3 - 8 October 2023, Strikers FC entered our u13, u15 and u17 teams into the annual Junior Spring Cup Tournamnet hosted by Pine Stars FC from Rheenendal. All of our teams did well. Our u13 and u15 teams make it to the semi-final knockout stages! Another remarkable acheivement for a football club only 11 months old.

A great deal went into preparation for the tournament. A huge THANK YOU goes out to Jeeves Heated Towel Rails for sponsoring the transport, Cambalala Guest House for a large donation towards food and logistics and an American company - Actualize - for sposoring our smallest boys with football boots. Our sponsors make everything possible! Because of you our players were able to live out their dreams and gain valuable tournament expereince.

The Strikers FC volunteers worked tirelessly to make sure sandwhiches, treats and drinks were available for all players (60+) every day of the competition. They also ensured all kits and boots were available for all matches in quick turnaround times. Without our incredible volunteers, the Strikers Vision would not be possible. Thank you.

On Tuesday, 3 Oct, the first day of the tournament began at Hornlee Sports fields in Knysna. These were the results:

• U13:

Strikers FC vs Young Brothers: 2 - 1 (W) (Buhle and Sheraldo with goals.)

Strikers FC vs Young Stars: 1 - 1 (D) (Ayakha)

• U15:

Strikers FC vs Young Boys: 4 - 0 (W) (Avuzwa and Imange with a brace each.)

Strikers FC vs Angels: 2 - 0 (W) (Avuzwa with anthoer brace!)

• U17: Strikers FC vs Sinako: 0 - 2 (L)

The boys played very well with 1 loss and 1 draw from 5 games.

Thursday, 5 Oct, at Rheenendal Sports Fields, the second day of round robin fixtures took place with these results:

• U13: Strikers FC vs Young Smuts: 1 - 2 (L) (Hedlee)

• U15: Strikers FC vs Young Brothers: 3 - 3 (D) (Imange, Elakhe and Avuzwa all with goals.)

• U17: Strikers FC vs Pine Stars: 0 - 4 (L)

The boys played well in difficult, rainy, muddy conditions. With the results the u13 and u15 Strikers FC teams made it to the semi-finals!! Unfortunately the Strikers FC u17's did not make the knockout stage.

The final day, Sunday 8 Oct 2023, was a sunny yet muddy affair back out in Rheenedal. Strikers u13 and u15 teams fought hard for their spots in the finals but, unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. Results:

• U13: Strikers FC vs Pine Stars: 1 - 1 (L) (Ayakha with the goal) (4 - 5 on penalties)

• U15: Strikers FC vs Pine Stars: 0 - 2 (L)

Losing in the semi-finals, or any loss for that matter, is a difficult pill to swollow. It's the experience of losing as a team and figuring out how to come back stronger that will make our players work harder and increase the desire to win. We'll continue to work in training sessions every week and ensure that Strikers FC is ready for the Junior League.

Till next time!

The Strikers Team