MSA SOCCER TOURNAMENT: ALL STARS VICTORIOUS

Lesiba Dikhoba 

@lesiba.dikhoba 

 

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) hosted their annual soccer tournament on the 18th of August at Hoër Tegniese Skool Potchefstroom, with spectators witnessing thrilling soccer matches as 24 teams competed fiercely for a prize money of R5 000.

 

All Stars FC faced Masandawana in the final of the MSA Soccer Tournament after a penalty shootout victory over La Masia. Similarly, Masandawana secured their place in the final by winning on penalties against Omar Abdulla FC. The final also went to penalties, where All Stars FC triumphed after a stalemate between the two sides, ultimately being crowned champions.

 

Humayd Moosa, also known as Jovi, was named the player of the tournament following his brilliant performances for All Stars FC and gave his thoughts on the event, “From a player’s perspective, the games were tough because we came up against physical opponents but we managed to fight till the end. And although I received the player of the tournament award, credit must go to the whole team because it’s a team sport.”

 

The tournament brought together teams from different regions, fostering sportsmanship and camaraderie, creating an environment for students and young professionals to partake in healthy competition. Moreover, the tournament serves as a fundraiser for the MSA, assisting them to raise funds for their projects and events throughout the year. 

 

Abdullah Jasat, the MSA chairperson, shared insights on the planning of this successful event and challenges faced during the period. 

 

“The planning for the MSA Soccer Tournament 2024 began months in advance, involving securing venues, contacting potential sponsors, and coordinating with local MSA chapters. The main challenge was managing logistics, including accommodating teams from various regions and ensuring smooth operations on the event day. Despite these challenges, the organising team’s dedication and hard work led to a successful and well-coordinated event.”

 

Although soccer was the primary focus, the event also featured a range of activities to create a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed food stalls with diverse options, including both traditional and contemporary dishes, as well as refreshments throughout the day, making it enjoyable for both participants and spectators. 

 

The MSA Soccer Tournament has grown significantly over the years, and according to Abdullah Jasat, more teams are competing in the tournament and there’s a larger audience attending. 

 

“Initially, it was a small-scale event with only a handful of teams. However, as the event gained popularity, more teams began participating and the audience grew larger. We have also expanded the scope of the tournament to include additional teams, some of which are travelling from other provinces to participate, making it more than just a sports event.” 

 

Edited by Christinet Zaal