After a spectacular opening to the 2016 SAB Carling League of Champions tournament on 18 June at Phomolong Stadium, Tembisa, the fifth edition of this exciting competition concluded its regional play-offs in the Mother City. The final which took place at Gugulethu Sports Ground NY49 was a spectacular mini showcase of what to expect at the National Finals taking place on 23 July at Nike Centre, Pimville, Soweto.
The final regional play-offs match was no less than a melting pot of exceptional talent, passion and commitment to football. In spite of the stiff competition dished out by the participating teams, the play-offs dramatically concluded with Delft’s Golden Fountains securing the last spot to the National Finals against a competitive Backstage FC through a thrilling penalty shootout.
As the tournament marks its fifth year of existence, Carling Black Label has been on a countrywide journey of celebrating community heroes through a professional football tournament that affords enthusiastic players the opportunity to feel like Champions. The round robin structured tournament sees teams from across the country battle it out for R30 000 worth of prize money plus an all-expenses paid trip to the highly anticipated Carling Black Label Champion Cup between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on 30 July at FNB Stadium.
Commenting on the electrifying skills showcase witnessed at the play-offs, Carling Black Label Brand Campaign Manager, Sifiso Nkosi expressed his sentiments congratulating Golden Fountains for qualifying to the National Finals, “We are pleased to have successfully kicked off the tournament on such a high note. The Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Pretoria, Eastern Cape and Western Cape play offs are testament to how Carling Black Label continuously finds ways of making communities feel like Champions. As we count down the days to the National Finals, we look forward to the great atmosphere of supporters coming out in their numbers to witness exciting and competitive football that will see their community football heroes walking away as the 2016 Carling League of Champions Cup, along with R30 000 prize money”, said Nkosi.
Echoing the sentiments of Nkosi was Western Cape ambassador, Thando Mngomeni who was excited about the turn out of the Western Cape play-offs and looks forward to what he knows will be an action packed final in Pimville, Soweto.
“The play-offs were a continued spectacle of talent and passion for football. Each team’s heart was set on representing the Western Cape Region for the National Finals, and it was evident in the manner in which the players carried themselves on the playground. Big congratulations to first time re-presenters for the Western Cape Region, Golden Fountains, who’s precision on the playground was absolutely immaculate. I wish the players all the best in their quest of making themselves and their communities proud”, said Mngomeni.
23 July 2016 will see Golden Fountains battle it out against other equally competitive teams from around the country in hopes of continuing to maintain the Western Cape as the home of Carling League of Champions.
