ILAN HERRMANN
Under shul names, community group representations and some independents, the teams comprised all types: rabbis, high school learners, university students, former professionals, some veterans and some up-and-coming talented youngsters.
The early round robin matches were fierce in speed and high velocity, but as the day wore on and legs started to become weary, the games slowed and became more about skill and strategy.
This was the backdrop to the victory by the team playing under the name Maccabi. They were in the blue and white colours of Israel and had strong representation from the Sephardic communities.
With blistering results Maccabi cruised through to the semi-finals. There they met a rugged Vets Inc team that had squeezed through to the knock-outs and came into the game carrying limps and injuries.
The Vets went ahead and all agreed that they were undone by a refereeing error when Maccabi equalised. The blue and white then snatched victory with a second goal just before the final whistle and went through to the finals.
Arguably the most focused and well-blended side with skill and teamwork on the day was team Baseruto. They trounced their way to the final with goals galore and a charming interplay style.
On to the final and despite early pressure from Baseruto, Maccabi snatched a goal with a counter-attack. This clever strategy worked again midway through the match to give Maccabi a 2 – 0 lead. Baseruto did everything they could, but Maccabi were stoic and eventually capitalised again with a stunning individual goal to seal it 3 – 0.
What a day! The braai and music complemented the soccer and the Maccabi players were all smiles as the trophy, gold medals and a R2 800 cash prize were handed out.
