South Africa’s biggest township tournament, The Philly’s Games kicked off in earnest at the Ma7 Grounds in Tembisa on Wednesday. The massively popular Kasi Tournament is in its 32nd year and the festivities are as good as when it first started.
A team that has been in the Philly’s Games for the last 20 editions, Abarondolo kicked off their 2023 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Phaphama. Abarondolo goalkeeper can shoulder most of the blame for the stalemate as his time wasting shenanigans saw Phaphama get an equaliser instead of pushing for a third game-killing goal.
Earlier in the day, Skepe Nketole and Cheese FC played out a 0-0 draw, much to the frustration of the hundreds seated in the grass banks under the blazing sun. Maybe it was too hot for both sets of players.
The game of the day and player of the day came from the five-goal thriller between Sunrise FS and Hot B team. It was exactly what the Philly’s Games is about, flair, tricks, and goals. Jan Masima netted a brace, earning himself the Player of the Day award.
Crowd favourite Bandile “Shevchenko” was on hand for the fourth match and day and he did not disappoint as Amandla beat Izidla Mlilo 2-0. Selby Rapatsa may have scored the winning brace, but it was Shevchenko’s show on the gravel grounds, with whistles and cheers every time he was on the ball.
The Philly’s Games will run until the 2nd of January at various popular grounds around Tembisa with games being broadcasted on Supersport.