Raul Stars the inaugural champs of 5-a-side soccer at George Festival

SOCCER NEWS - Raul Stars emerged as the five-a-side soccer champions of the inaugural George Festival on Tuesday 16 December.

The tough final against Simunye, played at the temporary field created at Unity Park, saw the sides draw 1-1 and the game went into extra time, where Raul Stars managed the winning goal for an end score of 2-1.

Zuko Matume and Siyabonga Aseni contributed the two goals for Raul Stars while Pule Mosoa scored Simunye's goal.

In the semi-finals at Unity Park, Simunye had beaten All Stars 5-2 while Raul Stars walloped Paris United 2-1 in a thrilling knockout game. The group stages of the festival started last weekend at the newly built Cruyff Soccer Court in Zone 9, Thembalethu.

Twenty teams took part in this year's George Festival. They are George Celtics, FC Pacaltsdorp, Fast Eleven, Paris United, Silver Stars, Heaven Stars, Abahlali, Burning Fire, Thembalethu Brothers, Vista, Western Tigers, All Stars, Black Cats, Nkonjane, Eastern City, Bangalore, Southern Academy, Simunye, Future Stars and Raul Stars.

Netball
In the netball festival, Evergreens Netball Club from Pacaltsdorp came out on top after beating Wilderness Netball Club 46-12.

Shanique Opperman and Jodie Moolman of Evergreens dominated the game with standout team work.

Evergreen's Shanique Opperman was named as the best centre-court player, while, Keisha Borchards (Crucifier Netball team) was the best defender and Alexis Opperman (Evergreens) the best shooter.

Evergreens Netball Team after winning the trophy at Unity Park.