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Reviving soccer on West Rand

LOSERS LIST: Orlando Pirates' midfielder Joseph Makhanya. 07/12/05. © Touchline.
LOSERS LIST: Orlando Pirates' midfielder Joseph Makhanya. 07/12/05. © Touchline.

Former Jomo Cosmos player Bongani "Ace" Duiker has introduced a development soccer tournament aimed at reviving the sport on the West Rand.

Duiker said the three-day Teba Bank Diski Tournament will be one of the legacy projects of the 2010 World Cup in the area.

It will start on December 13 at Greenhills Stadium in Randfontein. The tournament is approved by the South African Football Association West Rand region.

"The gradual death of soccer on the West Rand is a cause for concern. We are delighted that Safa gave us regional status," said Duiker.

"We are using the tournament to revive soccer on the West Rand. It is sad that there is no competitive soccer in most of the townships.

"West Rand has a track record of producing greats like Ace Ntsoelengoe, Sipho Khuse, Vincent Makroti, Ace Khuse, Banks Setlhodi and many others in the past. Currently, we have two or three youngsters like Joseph Makhanya [Orlando Pirates] and Oupa Manyisa [Amajita], which is not good at all.

Duiker said 24 clubs have registered to take part in the tournament in three divisions - Under-19s, Under-17s and Under-13s.

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