Inter-residence soccer league launched

Huge interest and excitement marked the launch of the Inter-Residence Soccer League by the Mafikeng Campus of North-West University on 21 April 2012, where four teams competed for a trophy.

The League is an initiative of the Campus All Sports Council, the management of residences and the Soccer Institute. It is aimed at developing and nurturing football talent on campus. According to liaison officer Kegoikantse Kgomo, “The League will also serve as a recruitment base for the Soccer Institute.”

The event was preceded by a one-week Inter-Residence Knockout Cup in which 12 teams – representing all 11 residences on campus as well as students off campus – competed. The Cup sought to generate awareness of and interest in the league.

The launch was attended by, amongst others, Mr Buti Lerefolo, managing member of the South African Football Association (SAFA) in North West; Miss Teen Mahikeng, Claire Turya; the University choir, who performed the national anthem; Campus Rector Prof Dan Kgwadi; and Prof Sevid Matshego, Director of Special Projects.

Winners of the day were the James Moroka Cobras and, in the female division, the Rekopane Scavengers. The James Moroka Cobras won 5-4 on penalties after a nil draw with The Lost City, while the Rekopane Scavengers won the Phase One Sharks with five goals to nil.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Lerefolo explained that SAFA was committed to every area of involvement with soccer. “As SAFA we are aiming at building a formal relationship with the Soccer Institute. North-West University’s Mafikeng Campus is the only one in the country that has such an institute.” He said not only would SAFA like to use the Institute’s facilities for major events, but it wanted to encourage national coaches to visit the University in their search for talented players.

The Inter-Residence Soccer League has registered 18 teams. Its schedule is expected to continue until the second semester, when the winners will be crowned as league champions.

Huge interest and excitement marked the launch of the Inter-Residence Soccer League on the sports grounds of the Mafikeng Campus.