23 Apr 2014

Taipei FC was on Monday (April 21) crowed winners of Otse Easter holidays tournament after beating Surprise XI 3-1 in the finals.

The tournament, which started on Good Friday at Tikonko grounds at Otse, featured other teams such as Great Lords FC and Baratani Tigers. The tournament was part of a whole Easter holidays sporting package for the village that included netball, aerobics, wheelchair race and cycling.

The youthful Taipei FC side proved not to be too much for their competition as they won all of their games even embarrassing Surprise XI, which had the likes of Donald Mopako in their line-up.

Taipei came from behind after Surprise XI took 1-0 lead through Tumelo Sekopo in the first half. However Gaolatlhe Malatsi levelled the matters and Ntsima Malaka made it two goals for his side to win P1000 and a floating trophy while runners up got P600.

In netball, Dreams Queens pocketed P560 and a floating trophy after Real Birds failed to pitch for the final encounter.

Apart from awarding winning teams, outstanding players were also rewarded for their efforts.

According to one of the tournament organisers and sponsor Mr Tom Isaacs, the four day tournament was meant to offer the villagers something to cheer up their lives.

He pointed that it was also part of the broader strategy of keeping the youth busy and to help them to stay away from alcohol and drugs.

Mr Isaacs further noted the tournament provided sport as an alternative engagement that the village should participate in.

At the end of the tournament, Kgosi Mothusi Tsetse of Otse commended the tournament organisers for their work.

Kgosi Tsetse said the tournament was a success in bringing joy to the community and to keep youth away from drugs and alcohol abuse.

He said apart from bringing the community together during the holidays, there were no incidents of crime reported during this same period.

The tournament was held under the theme, Otse Pele, which according to the organisers was meant to encourage resident to put the interests of the village ahead of theirs. ENDS