Teams converged on the Wilderness Beach Hotel on Friday 5th August. After a quick captain’s meeting all teams made haste for the soccer fields at “Saarsveld” (part of the Nelson Mandela Metropol University). “SA Sports Tours” are very pleased to have acquired this magnificent venue, having successfully taken over the running of this tournament from this year (2005). Since it’s inception in 1993, this is the 1st year the tournament has been played under floodlights. A total of eight games were played on the Friday night and it was clear from the start that all teams had come to play good, attractive football. After about an hour and a half of play, players, family members and friends were all treated to a “clubhouse braai”. The great facilities at the soccer fields allowed teams to simply shower and make their way across the fields to the clubhouse (two minute walk).

Most teams got to bed at a reasonable hour in preparation for the 09h00 start the next morning. Perfect weather made for perfect soccer! Some really good soccer was played, much to the appreciation of spectators and resting teams. The games were made that much more enjoyable with the introduction of two match balls per field, ball boys and two referees per game (one in each half). Playing surfaces were superb, facilities tremendous and the spirit of the tournament memorable. Each team played a minimum of three games on the Saturday, before settling down to watch the rugby test (on the BIG screen) between South Africa and New Zealand. SA won 22-16 of course!

Just two hours later it was on to our final function… about 100+ footballing fanatics descended on the prizegiving venue “Beyond the Moon”. The food, facilities and experience were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Many folk commented on the “superb venue”. The prizegiving itself was a festive event. Tech Stars (from East London) were well beaten into second place by a very strong, well organized Vasco da Gama team (from Cape Town).

Besides their gold medals, Vasco went home with a full playing kit from one of our sponsors ADIDAS. A very big thank you to ADIDAS – we look forward to a strengthening of this relationship well into the future! The competition was fierce however with only three points separating the sides in second, third and fourth places. In addition to the ‘normal’ prizegiving two teams were chosen by the tournament committee – an “All Stars” team (representing the ‘best of the best’) and a “crunchies” team (represented by players of ‘dubious’ honour). Everyone entered into the spirit of things and a good time was had by all.

Some minor changes and improvements can be expected for next year’s tournament as we begin to get feedback from participating teams. For example, it is almost certain at this stage that the tournament will become an over 40’s event, with a maximum of three over 35’s per team.

All in all we at SA Sports Tours were thrilled with the tournament and are as committed as ever to turn this into THE premier veteran’s football tournament on the South African soccer calendar. A lot of interest has been shown for 2006 and we expect the full quota of only 12 teams to be finalized before the end of this year – so don’t delay with your entry; it’s gonna be a cracker! Thanks again to all participants, supporters and sponsors – we look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Kind regards
Dale and Craig

Comments from others...

The tournament was very good and well organised. Dale, you and your partner really went out of your way. I look forward to attending it again next year, and am sure it will be an even bigger success. Congratulations on a job well done.
Mark Hodgie - Tech All Stars

On behalf of Queens Park FC. I would like to thank you and the organisers for hosting a fantastic tournament. We might have got lost moving to the playing venue the first time, but must commend you guys on the excellent playing conditions. The idea of using 2 referees was a plus and there are so many positives I would like to add but would rather keep it as short as possible.
Shamiel Abbass, Queenspark

Dear Dale,
Better late than never, on behalf of all the referees we would like to thank you for a very enjoyable weekend, the new set up was great, the final evening presentation venue excellent.
But as suggested get in early next year, advising the clubs, word has already got around the clubs that it was great.
Neil Townsend - Tygerburg Football Association