November 22, 2003
Footy South Africa National Championship Report
International School of South Africa, Mafikeng Saturday November 22 2003.
The Itsoseng Kangaroos have stamped their name on South African footy history, making a clean sweep of the inaugural Footy South Africa National Championships. In a strong performance against local rivals, the Mafikeng Killer Bees, Itsoseng were able to capitalize on an early lead and power away to an emphatic victory. Final scores Itsoseng 3 goals 9 behinds 27 points to Mafikeng 0 goals 0 behinds 0 points. Itsoseng forward Steven Malinga was nominated best player for Itsoseng, and was supported well in the midfield by Captain Benjamin Motuba.
After solid rain the previous day, the sky at dawn on the morning of the competition still looked ominous. But with the national title up for grabs, the early risers coming from as far away as Christiana, North West Province, and Pretoria, Gauteng, weren’t to be deterred. The buses rolled in at 9:00am from far and wide. The International School is an ideal venue for hosting large scale festivals with its expansive fields, including a cricket oval for senior competition.
Over 250 players representing 10 clubs were competing in Senior, Under 16 and Under 12 competition. The teams were as follows:
CLUB SENIOR UNDER 16 UNDER 12
The games got underway at 9:30am in a round robin style competition with four fields being utilized. It was fantastic to see the senior team from Pretoria and as many as forty junior players from Gopane and the International School competing in Australian Football for the first time.
The new portable sets of goal posts were unveiled at the start of the day’s play. This, and the football jumpers supplied to all teams by Footy South Africa, did wonders for the ‘look’ of the event. The umpires also looked the part, being completely decked out for the first time in official uniforms supplied by the AFL.
With several games being played at once, two of the more senior umpires, Phindile Khambule and Tumi Sehlwai had their work cut out with the scheduling, but had things running like clockwork from the beginning. The umpiring proved popular, with players and supporters jumping in to lend a hand, and several requests were made to take part in the Footy South Africa Umpiring Accreditation Courses which begin early next year.
Once the DJ had located his much needed extension cord, he burst into action with some vibrant African music. Together with the Dance Troup ‘No Fear Pantsola’, they gave the festival a unique African feel.
At the completion of the group stage, the title contenders had been decided. It was two of the earliest formed clubs, as set up by AFL volunteers Dale Alsford and Gary Learmonth, that would compete. Itsoseng and Mafikeng are fast developing a strong rivalry, and this match up was appropriate for a Grand Final.
The senior finals took place after the lunch break (International School Dinning Hall), and the teams played off for the following placings:
Footy South Africa National Championship: Itsoseng vs Mafikeng
3rd place playoff: Christiana vs Pretoria
5th place playoff: Ventersdorp vs Vryburg
The third place playoff saw tournament surprise packets Pretoria, captained by International Cup player Neo Nage, find their feet and soundly defeat Christiana. In the group stage, Pretoria were defeated by Mafikeng, but then found their first ever win over Vryburg. With the club only coming into existence four months earlier, they showed a lot of promise and vowed to take the title next year. McDonald Mashigo, Captain of Christiana, was a shining light for his club in all their matches.
Vryburg fought it out against Ventersdorp for fifth place, in what was a battle between the two of the newer senior teams in South Africa. Vryburg was another club on a mission – looking for its first ever win in official competition. It wasn’t to be, as Ventersdorp narrowly stole the victory. Vryburg were well served for the day by Neo Sambo and Kagiso Gaonose.
The Grand Final had arrived, and the atmosphere was considerably more tense, as several war cries were heard from each team during the warm up. The crowd gathered to see the pre match entertainment and formalities consisting again of ‘No Fear Pantsola’, and a welcome speech from Footy South Africa Executive Officer Steve Harrison.
The game got underway at a cracking pace, with both coaches having decided on 16 per team to suit the size of the ground. In the first half, Mafikeng Full Back, Kopano Raditladi was working overtime and doing well in shutting down the Itsoseng forwards. Mafikeng were able to make several positive attacking moves, only for the Itsoseng defense to get numbers back quickly and restrict all scoring. Paseka Matshane of Mafikeng was looking dangerous on a Half Forward Flank.
Itsoseng had taken a ten point lead going into half time, and Mafikeng and International Cup Coach, Reggie Mokotedi, opted for several positional changes in response. But Itsoseng Coach Andress Modise and his troops were up to the challenge. Itsoseng continued to win plenty of ball in the midfield and convert in front of goal, running out comfortable winners by 27 points. Steven Malinga finished with two goals, and Benjamin Motuba one.
All games were played in wonderful spirits, and this was epitomized by both teams joining hands at the end and conducting a soccer style ‘chest slide’ for the crowd.
Footy South Africa Administrator, Henry Matthews, and Executive Officer, Steven Harrison conducted the presentations and invited all coaches to nominate a ‘Best Player’ and a ‘Play of the day’. These players all received trophies. The National Championship trophy was presented to Itsoseng coach Andress Modise and Captain Benjamin Motuba. The trophy will be presented to the Itsoseng Mayor and community on 13 December 2003.
Words of thanks were given to the umpires who are fantastic helpers and very enthusiastic about their involvement. Also to the team managers who coordinated the transport for teams from many miles away.
The day concluded with the first official Footy South Africa AGM, where the formerly interim Footy South Africa Council was confirmed and introduced to the festival participants.
The Footy South Africa Council is as follows:
*Honorary President: Brian Dixon
*Executive Officer: Steven Harrison
*Chairman: Reggie Mokotedi
*Administrator: Henry Matthews
*Members: Linda Torege, Ed Biggs, John Winters, Brian Dixon, Peter Fonseca, Tim Huggins, Simon Stroud, Alfred Mzizi
Itsoseng will get their chance to defend their title next year in November 2004. As Australian Football continues to grow in South Africa, more clubs will challenge for the title. We look forward to next year.
