MADIBAZ FOOTBALL ON RIGHT PATH AFTER REGIONAL TRIUMPH

Madibaz football on right path after regional triumph

The triumph by the Madibaz football team in the regional section of the Nedbank Cup in Port Elizabeth at the weekend is another step in the right direction as they continue to aim for higher honours.

The Nelson Mandela University outfit won the Safa-NMB leg of the knockout competition – which involves SAB League teams – by beating Ikamva Movers 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 score at the end of fulltime.

The students will now go into a draw to play the regional SAB League knockout competition winners from across the province in the next phase of the tournament.

After winning the local SAB League title last season, Madibaz football manager Mark Tommy said this latest triumph showed they were on the right track.

“The objectives of Madibaz football are very clear in that the club aim to win as many games as possible. We want to qualify for promotion to the ABC Motsepe League and, ultimately, the National First Division.

“Growing the game in PE and establishing a professional league status that represents the people of this metro is the overall goal.”

He said that the technical staff, led by coach Wayne Iveson, were intent on winning the SAB League again this season.

“It is our objective to reach the playoffs for the ABC Motsepe League and an extended run in the Nedbank Cup will afford us the opportunity to compete against teams from around the country.”

He said the Nedbank Cup campaign had been a tough challenge as the competition was fierce to land a place in the last 32 of the national tournament.

“Reaching that stage comes with a huge financial incentive,” said Tommy.

“It is the equivalent of England’s FA Cup, with lower division teams getting a chance to test themselves against professional teams in the National First Division and Premier Soccer League.”

While three of their matches had to be decided via penalty shootouts, he said it typified the “never say die” spirit of the students.