Gallery
Oyama Qampi was the hero of the day when he scored the winning goal for his team, the Black Cats Development U15s, successfully defending their Blue Ribbon title against Eastern City on Sunday evening.
Gallery: Children enjoy Blue Ribbon Soccer Festival
The final score in the tough grand finale, played at the Lawaaikamp Stadium in George, was 1-0.
Kwanele Nongqala of the Black Cats, a Grade Eight learner of the George Royal Academy, gave a standout performance, marshalling his side from the backline.
Fifteen junior teams took part in this year’s Blue Ribbon Festival: Burning Fire, Fast Eleven, Vista, Vuvuzela FC, Heaven Stars, France United, Future Stars, Silver Stars, Raul Stars, Black Cats, Rising Stars, All Stars, Eastern City, Western Tigers and George Vultures.
Despite a fast tempo throughout the first half, no goals were scored, and the second half saw both junior teams pressing to get the upper hand. Eastern City soaked up the pressure very well, cutting dangerous balls from the Black Cats’ wingers.
The Black Cats’ breakthrough came when they were awarded a penalty, and Oyama scored.
Blue Ribbon representative Ntombi Nyumbane said it was good seeing children grouped together in one venue playing sport, and encouraged the community of George to keep supporting them.
Blue Ribbon quarter-final results:
• Eastern City 1(4)-1(3) Rising Stars
• Fast Eleven 2-1 Heaven Stars
• Black Cats 2-0 Western Tigers
• Vuvuzela FC won by default against Vista.
Semi-finals
• Eastern City 0(6)-0(5) Fast Eleven
• Black Cats 2(3)-2(2) Vuvuzela FC.
Final
• Black Cats 1-0 Eastern City.
