After a hiatus of two years, the Association of Muslim Schools/Standard Bank /APAX National Soccer Tourney took place between September 16 and 18 at Marks Park in Johannesburg.
Twenty-six schools with 87 teams participated on three very hot days, which saw thousands of spectators witnessing the high quality of soccer, the fair play, the excellent organisation and most importantly, the observance of salaat (prayers).
On the opening day of the tourney, after the necessary formalities, the various age groups started the event, setting the stage for a highly contested and eagerly awaited two days of soccer.
The event was televised live by HILAAL TV on the DSTV 347 network. taking the games to the homes of thousands throughout the country.
The referees, volunteers, officials and the organising committee ensured that the seven-a-side games proceeded efficiently despite some time constraints. At the end of the first of the round robin games, the teams moved on to the next rounds on a knock-out basis.
These rounds generated much enthusiasm and excitement amongst the spectators. Some of the schools, despite winning all their previous games, loss out on penalties. Many a learner shed tears at these losses.
In the words of the main sponsor, CEO of Standard Bank Mohammed Ameen, “In a game of soccer, only one team can win, and the best team won.” Ameen was proud to have been part of the last two tournaments organised by the Association of Muslim Schools.
A befitting comment on the overall event was made by Haneef Akoojee, who said that the success of this event was due to the team work of the organising committee members who had spent many a day and night taking into account all the aspects of organising such a mammoth event. Mr Akoojee, who is the present chairperson of the Gauteng/Northern Provinces Sports Forum, was also the coach of the U17 Lenasia Muslim School team.
The three-day event culminated on Sunday, 18 September with the following results: U9 winners – Hartley Muslim School; U11 winners – Roshnee Muslim School; U13 and U15 winners – Al Falaah, and U17 winners – Lenasia Muslim School.
LMS won the Akhlaaq Award and Player of the Tourney was Ahmad Ismail, Seven LMS learners were selected for the U15 National Team. Shakeel Mahomed won the U17 Golden Glove award, Aboobaker Maiter won the U15 Golden Boot award and Ziyaad Dhorat was voted the most valued U13 player.
In the U17 age division, Mohammed atambale of Springs Muslim School received the Golden Boot Award.
Chairperson of the National AMS Qari Lockhat thanked the host school, APAX School, the organising committee, the schools which participated and the Muslim community who had made this tourney a huge success.
In conclusion, Principal of Springs Muslim School Ml Mahomed Asvat, wrote that the highlights of the tournament were too many to mention. The discipline, the Islamic ethos and the ambience created a memorable occasion.
The post Soccer tourney a memorable event appeared first on Rising Sun Lenasia.