People's Post Athlone/Lansdowne E-Edition 19 August 2025
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
PEOPLEOFSUBSTANCETHATYO
Our youth do have positive role models from our communities in greater Athlone and surrounds, and I don’t see the point of lionising drug lords or gang bosses who drive around in flashy cars in our communities When you enter Athlone Stadium from Klipfontein Road into Cross Road you are met with a giant mural depicting three sport stars, Bryce Moon from Pietermaritzburg, former Ajax Cape Town and Bafana Bafana footballer, Diane Carelse, sprinter from Alexander Sinton High in Crawford, and Tania Hess, high jumper from Marian High School in Clarke Estate ”
So said Arnold Cupido from Strandroos Close, Kewtown He and neighbour Michael Lakay had very definite sentiments about the prominent mural visible from all parts of their street Said Lakay: “About a year ago all the flats in Athlone received a facelift, with murals part of their beautification, but we asked specifically that the sports stars be featured on our mural to inspire our kids in Strandroos Close The athletes are memories from many moons ago, in the ’80s when sport was segregated, especially athletics They not only represented their schools on the athletics track at Vygieskraal, but also Western Province at interprovincial level, good memories ”
Cupido shared his memories of the three depicted in the mural “Moon was key for Ajax when Cape Town was represented in the PSL (Premier Soccer League) by Ajax and Santos in the golden era of soccer here Everyone flocked to Athlone Stadium to watch him and others such as Nathan Paulse, also from Athlone, Terror Fanteni and Brett Evans outplaying Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in the stadium Moon was the favourite of young and old for his commitment on the pitch and assisting Fanteni or Paulse to score His nickname was Snege and he could move through the field of defenders like a knife through butter Soccer lovers flocked to the stadium to watch the rivalry between Ajax and Santos ”
Both were adamant that the three inspired them when they were young and when asked about the mural by the youth of today, they can give a little bit of history of them
“If you look closely at the background of the mural you can see this was the start of the upgrading of Athlone Stadium in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa,” Cupido said “As we said earlier, the athletes are from the apartheid era when they were on everyone ’ s lips for their performances on the athletics track They not only put Athlone and their schools on the map, but were ambassadors of our communities The mural should inspire today’s youth as a symbol of what can be achieved through sport We are all familiar with Madiba’s take on what sport can do to unite a nation; imagine what sport could have done for our youth who made the wrong choices ”
In the past many local football games were played in the stadium, but now they are few and far-between, with international rugby matches for women and men occasionally hosted there They hoped more sporting greats of the past would be honoured in future as murals on other flats Through the years soccer fans were entertained by great players from the local clubs as well as those teams that played in the different leagues
Players who graced the field at Athlone Stadium included stars from the original Cape Town Spurs, Glendene United, Battswood and so on, who were all familiar with this pitch and the weather conditions
Names that spring to mind are Farouk Abrahams, Bernard Hartze, Taswald Human, Donnie Ronnie, Edries Burton, Reggie Jantjies, Adeeb Abrahams, Vincent Barnes; their scores were settled on the field, and after the match all players would enjoy a cold beer, something they felt was not the case nowadays
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The mural depicts sports stars Bryce Moon, Diane Carelse and Tanya Hess PHOTO AVR L FILLIES
With entries for this year’s Blisters for Bread closing on Sunday 17 August the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) said it had successfully reached the 8 000 mark. This annual event will take place on Sunday 31 August at the Green Point Common Sports Ground Charles Grey, fundraising manager of PSFA, said this “remarkable milestone” would not have been possible without the dedication and support of everyone involved “Each registration represents more than just a commitment to join the walk; it is a step towards ensuring that thousands of hungry schoolchildren receive the daily nourishment they need ” He expressed his gratitude to each entrant. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this achievement Your commitment has helped us build momentum for what promises to be a memorable event, while also making a real and lasting impact in the fight against child hunger ”
Wemustmoveonfromjustcommemoration
more women in boardrooms and more breaking into industries once closed to us The names and faces of women leaders are no longer rare in the public arena
Every August, South Africa wraps itself in purple ribbons and vibrant sashes, echoing the courage of 9 August 1956, when over 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings against pass laws It is a month of remembrance, pride and public tributes
Speeches are made,hashtags trend, and the bravery of those who came before us is celebrated This month has always carried extra meaning for me Not only is it Women’s Month, but it is also my birth month
I turned a year older on the 4th, and in the days since, I’ve found myself reflecting more deeply on what it means to grow older as a woman in this country, not just in years, but in experience There’s something about a birthday that invites both celebration and introspection You measure not only your milestones, but also the progress, and the gaps in the world around you
As I mark this new age (nine and twenty), I feel both proud and restless, proud because we come from a lineage of women who refused to be silenced Restless, because I know that too many women still carry a quiet weight that history books rarely capture,the daily negotiations of safety, dignity and equality
Our victories are real We have
Yet, alongside these gains, the cracks remain visible The wage gap persists Gender-based violence continues to cast a long shadow over our freedom We are celebrated for breaking glass ceilings, yet expected to sweep up the shards with our bare hands
The weight of womanhood is not only in public battles, but in the small, exhausting calculations of everyday life, the moments when we show up at our best, and meet every expectation, even when battling ovulation pains, menstrual cycles, or the fatigue that comes with our bodies’ monthly rhythms
Choosing where to park at night
Sending a quick “home safe” message to friends after a late meeting Checking over your shoulder while walking, keys clenched between your fingers
Rehearsing the tone of an email to ensure you are taken seriously but not branded “emotional” or “difficult” These are not quirks of habit; they are survival strategies They form part of the invisible cost of being a woman, a cost rarely mentioned during the speeches of Women’s Month
This is why the 9th of August must be more than a ceremonial nod to the past
The question is not whether we will remember the courage of the 1956 marchers, but whether we will honour their
courage by creating conditions that make it easier for the next generation of women to live without fear or limitation
In my work, the answer lies in storytelling My role is not only to report what happens but to interrogate why it happens, and to amplify the voices that are too often sidelined I carry the stories of the women I meet into every newsroom I enter Some of these women will never see their names in print, yet their resilience is profound: a single mother holding her household together on a minimum wage; a community health worker who walks kilometres daily to reach patients; a survivor who refuses to be defined by what she has endured
These women remind me that heroism is not confined to grand gestures It is also in the daily acts of persistence and care, often invisible to the world They are proof that the narrative of women ’ s month must include ordinary women whose strength is no less remarkable because it is unseen
We must move from commemoration to commitment That means advocating for policies that do more than look good on paper It means holding institutions accountable for the promises they make It means ensuring that when a woman rises, she leaves the door open for others to walk through It also means listening to women whose experiences are shaped not only by gender but by race, class, disability and geography The chal-
lenges facing a rural farmworker are not the same as those facing an urban professional, yet both are valid and urgent Intersectionality is not an academic buzzword; it is a lens through which we can better understand and address inequality Women’s Month, then, should not be a pause for reflection before life returns to “normal” It should be a launchpad for sustained action The legacy of the women of 1956 is not just in the march they undertook, but in the way they imagined a future in which their daughters would walk freely That future is not yet here Their example shows us that it is worth fighting for
As I step into this new age, I am reminded that time is both a gift and a responsibility My birthday was a quiet recommitment to the causes I care about, the stories I will tell, and the women whose journeys deserve to be seen and heard
Our foremothers marched so we could stand here The least we can do is ensure that the ground we stand on is solid enough for the next woman to run, when she runs, may she do so without the weight of keys between her fingers, without the fear of being called “too much” or “not enough”, without needing to calculate her safety before her dreams
That, for me, is what Women’s Month should be about, not just remembering the past, but reshaping the present so the future looks different
NAMHLA MONAKALI
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Carelse and Hess in the mural were celebrated athletes, particularly in the ’80s before the different athletics bodies united Carelse represented Alexander Sinton High in the 100 m, 200 m and long jump She was a WP Amateur Athletics Club record holder in the 100 m with a time of 12,4 sec, representing WP Senior Schools, WP Amateur Athletics Union and, unfortunately in her time, there was no SA Schools Sport Association (Sassa) Hess was a protegée, a young athlete who held a senior ladies’ record of 1,71 m, a club record, and held all the high-jump records of the WP Senior Schools’ age groups, u-14, u-15 and u-17, with no u-16 age group in her time, and she matriculated from Marian High in Clarke Estate, Elsies River Both were Spartans Athletic Club members, with Hess later joining Olympiads Athletics Club in Mitchells Plain in 1987 She received Sassa and Sacos colours Moon played for Pirates in Pietermaritzburg and joined the School of Excellence, Gauteng before starting his career at Ajax CT in 2005 He also played for overseas clubs such as Coleraine in Northern Ireland (2004), and Panathinaikos and Paok in Greece, before joining SA clubs Golden Arrows, Supersport United, Bidvest Wits, Mamelodi Sundowns, Platinum Stars, Black Aces and Maritzburg United His debut for Bafana Bafana was in 2007 against Botswana and went on to play 17 games, and he took part in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup
be honoured.
LearntoLEAPinZOOM
Families and carers of people living with schizophrenia are invited to the next support group meeting on Monday 25 August at 19:00, held via Zoom The meeting will include a short AGM, followed by a presentation on the LEAP method: how to help your loved one accept treatment . For the meeting link,visit www.familysupport. org.za/meetings or email mail@familysupport.
30atservice forshotmen
Approximately 30 people attended a memorial service held to honour the lives of the four men who were killed in Overcome Heights, Muizenberg, last week
The service took place at the Overcome Heights Community Centre on Sunday afternoon 17 August Ward 45 councillor Mandy Marr, who attended the service, said: “The main message was to keep praying, and for the community to work with all the law enforcement agencies against gangsterism The community needs to stand up and take action We are held hostage by a handful of people Most of the people are peaceful and just want to live without the constant fear ”
A day earlier, 16 August, police discovered three bodies, one male and two females, aged between 29 and 32, at Mike Place, Xakabantu in Muizenberg at around 23:30
“A fourth victim, a male, survived after sustaining a gunshot wound and managed to escape The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested The motive for the attack remains unclear, and detectives are pursuing all available leads to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” police spokesperson Col André Traut
In the meantime, policing in the area has been intensified to prevent any further violence, he added
.The police appeals to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111,or to submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application
Vanguard madrassa has event
AVRILFILLIES
On Saturday 30 August the madrassa (mosque) at 20 Zenith Road, Vanguard Estate will be a lively hub of colour, flavour and community spirit with its annual bazaar
“We are hosting our annual Vanguard Madrassa Fundraising Bazaar and the countdown has begun for one of Vanguard Estate’s most anticipated community events,” imam Sheikh Ebrahim Isaacs said “The bazaar starts at 10:00 and closes at 16:00, and the public is invited to taste the flavours, buy gifts and soak up the atmosphere ”
Founded by visionary families in the Vanguard Estate, Welcome Estate and Heideveld areas, the madrassa began in the garages of Fatima Galant and Asa Jappie in the 1970s By 1977 the dream of a permanent home became a reality when the community purchased the land in Zenith Road Since then, thousands of Vanguard Madrassa Fundraising Bazaachildren
THE VANGUARD MADRASSA FUNDRAISING BAZAAR WILL TAKE PLACE ON 30 AUGUST
have passed through its doors, gaining Quranic knowledge, Islamic understanding and life-long values
Today the madrassa serves nearly 100 learners with a dedicated team of six teachers and an admin officer
Classes run from Monday to Thursday afternoons, with special Saturday-morning sessions for senior high-school learners Its facilities are in constant use for courses, marriage guidance, fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) classes, haj (pilgrimage) and umrah (miscellaneous visit to the holy places) classes, Qur’an hifz (recitation) and tafsir (interpretation) classes, community thikr
(Islamic devotional prayer) gatherings and monthly complete recitations of the Qur’an “The bazaar is about giving back,” Isaacs said “Every rand spent supports the Vanguard madrassa, which has been a pillar of Islamic education since 1969, nurturing generations of learners and strengthening the community
The Vanguard madrassa is a shared legacy
Supporting the bazaar helps ensure it continues for generations to come ”
Those attending the bazaar can expect a feast for the senses – sizzling hot meals, freshly-baked cakes, mouth-watering sweets and irresistible treats “You can browse stalls brimming with plants and gardening treasures, clothes and high fashion trends,” Isaacs said “Come and hunt for thoughtful gifts, including those birthday presents you ’ ve been meaning to get and explore tables stacked with toys, clothing and bargain finds I guarantee surprises await round every corner ” . For more information contact the madrassa on 079 408 1519
LansdowneCPFlauncheshygienecampaign
AVRILFILLIES
With Women’s Month midway the Lansdowne Community Policing Forum (CPF) launched a hygiene drive, focusing on providing essential items such as sanitary products, soap and other personal-care goods
The campaign runs until Saturday 30 August and residents who fall under the Lansdowne CPF are invited to donate and drop the care goods off at the Lansdowne Police Station
“We chose hygiene products because they are a vital part of dignity, self-care and health, yet often unaffordable for many women and girls
in our community,” said Naz Mohidin Karodia, CPF chair “Instead of hosting a once-off Women’s Day event the CPF chose to run this month-long initiative so the benefits extend well beyond a single day of celebration ”
Care goods include wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants, body lotion, face cloths and soap to pamper the recipients
The packs will be distributed to women and girls in vulnerable settlements identified through local neighbourhood watches (NHWs) and the Lansdowne police
“While this is a CPF-led initiative, our NHWs
and broader community have shown great willingness to join and support the cause, ” she Karodia
Local businesses are also encouraged to come on board and assist, whether through product donations or financial contributions
“Together we can make a lasting difference in the lives of women and girls who need it most We encourage the members of the NHWs and the community to volunteer,” she said . For details contact Zuhair on 060 453 3603, Shanaaz on 072 945 4192 or Sameera on 072 539 2640
Michael Lakay and Arnold Cupido from Kewtown wish more sports heroes could
Officers spread message of hope
Learners from Portavue Primary School in Manenberg were inspired by the visit of two police officers from the Manenberg Police Station.
They visited the school on Tuesday 12 August and encouraged the learners to make better choices for their future
Const Zakkie Julius and Sgt Percy Keysters led the outreach, spreading a powerful message about the vast career opportunities available in the police and told learners about the importance of furthering their studies
“Earlier this month we held a career exhibition in the hall at Phoenix High School, where Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners from five schools in the area could interact with exhibiters about tertiary education and careers in general,” said Capt Ian Bennett, spokesperson for the station
“We at Manenberg Police Station are actively working to change the face of the community by empowering children and offering them positive alternatives to a life of crime through a continuous career guidance programme ”
Julius and Keysters emphasised the need for children to aim high to ensure success, highlighting how they can change the face of Manenberg with positive contributions within their reach In their speeches to the learners they said they
STRENGTHENING THIS PARTNERSHIP IN AN EFFORT TO SPREAD POSITIVITY AND CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT BY EMPOWERMENT
needed the community of Manenberg on board with them to have an active paradigm shift
Their underlying message was to spread positivity, cut negativity such as gang violence and substance abuse
“Engaging with the youth in Manenberg is a cornerstone of the strategy of the police to combat gang violence by addressing its root causes and providing children with a clear and hopeful career path for the future,” Bennett said “By also providing them with positive role models and clear guidance the police can build a stronger, safer and more successful community
“Manenberg Police Station would like to continue to encourage the community and all stakeholders to join and strengthen this partnership in an effort to spread positivity and create an environment by empowerment of our youth ”
Initiativestrivestosilencefirearms
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES RACECOURSE ROAD, LANSDOWNE
The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate advises the public of a temporary road closure for approximately two weeks at the intersection of Leafmore and Racecourse Roads in Lansdowne from Monday 25 August 2025.
Affected motorists are advised to make use of detours via Crosscut and Prince Arthur Roads and to follow the signage in place.
September – December 2025
When the abovementioned roadworks have been completed, Crosscut Road will be temporarily closed from September until December 2025, weather permitting.
Prince Arthur Road will temporarily operate as a dual carriageway during this time to accommodate traffic in the direction of Racecourse Road.
The works will regrettably add to congestion, and motorists are advised to:
• Plan for longer journey times
• Make use of lift clubs, ride-sharing or public transport
• Avoid peak traffic times
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Two police officers from Manenberg Police Station visited Portavue Primary School and encouraged the learners to make better choices, away from gangsterism and substance abuse. Here Const Zakkie Julius and Sgt Percy Keysters share their dreams for a better Manenberg with the learners PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Law student dares fire challenge
KEANANHARMSE
Afire-station platoon commander from Simon’s Town, Amesha Bachan, hopes to be a beacon of hope within her community
The 35-year-old platoon commander of the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services at the Ottery Fire Station, recently proved her mettle when she led a crew of seven during an emergency birth of a healthy baby boy at the fire station on Thursday morning, 24 July (“Firemen save baby”, People’s Post, 29 July 2025)
In an interview with People’s Post, Bachan shared her journey and unpacked the early challenges she encountered as a young firefighter and how she climbed the ranks Born in Durban, Bachan relocated to Cape Town at a young age “I was raised in a naval community in Simon ’ s Town I then attended Simon’s Town School from Grade 1 to matric ” After matriculating she began studying law until one fateful holiday led her on a path to firefighting In 2008, she joined the City’s Fire and Rescue Department “I found the
field of law incredibly fascinating
During one of my holiday breaks I joined the fire service as a seasonal firefighter, thinking it would just be something temporary But to my surprise I completely fell in love with the job The sense of purpose, teamwork and physical challenge drew me in immediately ”
She then applied to be a permanent firefighter and was accepted “I continued studying law for another two years before deciding to commit myself to a career in firefighting I was inspired by the adrenaline, the structure, the unity among the team and, most importantly, the opportunity to serve and protect people The more I immersed myself in the work the more I knew this was where I was meant to be Each year brought new challenges, new lessons and a deeper passion for the job ”
Initially, the transition from law student to firefighter was not easy
“Being a woman in a very male-dominated field I had to learn to be both mentally and physically resilient Earning my place and gaining respect meant showing up consistently, working hard and prov-
THE TRANSITION FROM LAW STUDENT TO FIREFIGHTER WAS NOT EASY
ing my capabilities on and off the fire ground ”
Among the greatest challenges she faced at this time was balancing further studies, the physical demands and, later on, motherhood, when she started raising her now 19-month-old baby boy
“But the rewards have been just as great Being able to mentor younger firefighters, represent women in uniform and be part of critical emergency responses; those moments have made it all worthwhile
“And, of course, coming home to my son at the end of a 24-hour shift reminds me who I’m doing it all for ”
Since then she’s pursued several fire-related qualifications, certifications and short courses to keep growing in the field
Outside work she enjoys caring for her son and exercising
In this month of taking stock of the indispensable role they play in society, by both themselves and others, women are reminded to reflect on one of the most crucial aspects of their well-being that is often overlooked –health-care financial planning
While such planning is important for everyone women face unique challenges and circumstances that make strategic health financing not just beneficial, but essential
Martin Rimmer, chief executive officer of Sirago Underwriting Managers, a gap-cover provider underwritten by Genric Insurance, says women generally navigate a complex landscape in health care and finances
UNIQUEHEALTHRISKS
He says women face specific health risks that require targeted financial preparation
Breast, ovarian and cervical cancers disproportionately affect women and can incur significant medical expense and potential loss of income as a result of long lay-offs during treatment Additionally, women are more susceptible to certain chronic conditions,
including autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal conditions and cardiovascular disease, all of which come with significant treatment costs
He says these health realities underscore the importance of having the right health-care coverage that addresses women ’ s specific needs
YOURPRIMARYDEFENCE
Rimmer says given South Africa’s challenging and deteriorating public health-care landscape and the high costs of private medical care medical-scheme coverage isn’t optional; it’s non-negotiable
“Working with an accredited healthcare broker who can analyse your current health-care expenditure, family medical history and any pre-existing conditions can go far in ensuring the correct balance in making a personal choice Remember, the cheapest option is hardly ever the most cost-effective or benefit-specific if it leaves you exposed to significant out-of-pocket expenses or exclusions when you need care most ”
PROTECTIONAGAINSTTHEUNEXPECTED
“Some of my favourite ways to unwind include cooking and baking, especially healthy meals and snacks for my son I also enjoy going for walks and gymming to stay strong and centred ”
She feels there is more work to be done to even the playing fields when it comes to equal representation in the workplace
“There are still significant challenges, such as unequal representation in leadership, work-life balance pressures and societal expectations around motherhood and career In fields such as emergency services the physical standards and cultural biases can discourage women from even applying
“In my own community we still need more visibility and support for women in uniformed services
Programmes that encourage girls to explore careers in fire and rescue services or law enforcement could open so many doors And in workplaces we need policies that support moms better, from flexible schedules to parental leave that doesn’t stall career growth ”
Asked what words of advice she
had for young women pursuing careers in this fast-paced sphere in an ever-changing society, she replied: “Your aspirations Trust your instincts Don’t be afraid to pivot when you hear a call, the way I did when choosing firefighting over law
Be bold enough to enter spaces where you may well be the only woman working hard enough to make it easier for the next one
“Invest in your learning, your fitness and mindset; they’re your greatest tools Personally I hope to continue growing in this field, both technically and in leadership, while still being a present and loving mom
“I want to create space for more women to thrive in this profession and show it’s possible to wear both the uniform and title of ‘ mom ’ with pride ’’
She reiterates that Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, grace and resilience that women bring to every space they occupy
“I’m proud to be part of a generation of women who are changing what leadership, motherhood and service look like; one day, one call and one courageous choice at a time ”
Gap cover serves as a financial safety net, covering the shortfall between what medical schemes pay and what specialists actually charge, primarily for in-hospital events
“If your medical scheme pays 200% of tariff, but your specialist charges 500% you ’ re personally liable for that 300% difference,” explains Rimmer “Sirago’s recent gap claims data show average “large gap claims” now sits between R40 000 and R60 000 These amounts could seriously impact your cashflow and financial stability without proper gap cover protection ”
COMPREHENSIVECRISISPLANNING
He explains that for stay-at-home mothers the financial impact extends beyond lost income
“If you become unable to fulfil these roles the cost of replacement care and support can be substantial Explore insurance solutions, including income protection insurance, disability and critical illness insurance, which can provide financial breathing room when you need to focus on recovery rather than financial survival ”
PREVENTION
Regular preventative care is a drum that simply cannot be beaten loudly enough; medical schemes often make these benefits available to members Rimmer encourages women to commit to annual preventative health screenings because early detection can drastically reduce both the health and financial consequences of serious conditions
MATERNITYPLANNING
“Look for coverage that includes comprehensive prenatal care, delivery and hospitalisation, and postnatal care for both mother and baby Medical-scheme maternity programmes, when adhered to, can really help you manage your health and additional finances during these periods ”
LIFESTYLEASFINANCIALSTRATEGY
According to Rimmer small, consistent lifestyle changes can yield significant health and financial returns
“Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet, exercise regularly, even if just for a few minutes daily; limit alcohol consumption; eliminate smoking/
vaping; prioritise stress management and mental well-being and get adequate sleep ”
MAXIMISEAVAILABLERESOURCES
“If you have access to group employee benefits, leverage them,” sys Rimmer “Group plans typically offer better rates due to collective buying power However, ensure your individual and employer-provided benefits work together cohesively without unnecessary gaps or duplications ”
PROFESSIONALADVICE
Rimmer says the complexity of healthcare financial planning makes professional guidance invaluable
“As we celebrate Women’s Month, make healthcare financial planning your priority Don’t let financial constraints force you into choosing between immediate needs and future health security
He says with proper planning, professional guidance, and the right insurance portfolio, women can build a robust financial foundation that supports both their current wellbeing and long-term health security
Amesha Bachan PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Amesha Bachan at Ottery Fire Station in November 2024 when she was newly appointed as platoon commander
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Spurs clinchYouth Cup
More people in the province than ever before saw young talent on display.
In the only ladies’ match of the day, Rygate Invitational Ladies locked orns with Mitchells Plain LFA adies The two sides played a 1-1 talemate
An elated tournament organiser and ayview FC chair Mark Rodrigues ailed the event He thanked all the ponsors, teams and supporters for heir commitment and support in making the tournament one of Cape own ’ s top sporting events “This was a very special year for us, not nly because the finals were played at he Athlone Stadium, but it is also a uge milestone for the team We are elebrating our 20th anniversary,” aid Rodrigues He said this year ’ s venue elevated
the tournament to new heights and gave people from across the province an opportunity to witness young soccer talent on display The tournament also gave the players a chance to play on a proffessional pitch
“This means if you dream it you can do it Playing at Athlone Stadium is not something many of our young footballers get to do in their lifetime This gives them an opportunity to be part of something special,” he said Rodrigues described the occasion as “ very special” and an the journey to Athlone Stadium as “emotional”
“It was not an easy journey There were too many obstacles but the support from everyone has been amazing This is not about people It is about giving the younsters an opportunity to showcase their talent ” He added that preparations were already underway for next year ' s tournament “We’ve launched a platform for a great tournament moving forward We have started with plans for next year and hope to make it even better
Lihle Somana of PPG Langa beats a sliding tackle by Reyaan Manuel of Norway Parks during the Bayview U-16
PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
Player of the Tournament Emile Dortley of CT Spurs
Cape Town Spurs lifting the Bayview FC U-16 tournament trophy after a 2-1 victory over Antalyaspor JPM in the platinum final at Athlone Stadium on Saturday 16 August
Woodlands united from Mitchells Plain the winners of the Silver division
