Sunday the 28th of October saw the latest offering of the oldest Subbuteo Tournament in South Africa, namely the Johannesburg Open, at Randburg Football Club. This year (2018), marked the 10th Anniversary of the Johannesburg Open hosted by the Johannesburg TFC, more commonly known as 'The Eagles'.
A total of 19 entrants took part with a number of inquisitive spectators watching the table footie.
A new innovation was introduced with the 10th Anniversary with a special Promotional Event held featuring local 11 and 12 year old boys from a previous disadvantaged area of Johannesburg. Although this was the first time that these youngsters were introduced to our beautiful game they showed tremendous spirit and enthusiasm. Scoring goals proved to be a problem so all the games went to exciting penalty shoot-outs and the cheering proved louder than the support the previous day at the Sowet Derby!
Opentse was the best youngster on display and showed a great aptitude towards flicking and beat his friend and team member, Malendkosi in a loud and entertaining final. All the youngsters were treated with sweets, drinks and special prizes after the completion of the final courtesy of the Eagles and sponsor of the tournament: JUST FOR YOU MEALS.
Newcomer, Thomas Maseke - a local football coach from Randburg FC really enjoyed his games and promised to be back for more table footie fun. Carl and Johan proved too strong in Group A and qualified for the knockout stages along with Chris and Clifford from Group B. A special Plate Section was also introduced whereby Waynne and his son, Jason qualified for an all action family final. Youngster Jayson upstaged his father and secured the Plate victory with an exciting penalty shoot-out victory with all the spectator support. The Cup semis paired lifelong friends, Chris and Johan (friends for 53 years), and Johan claimed his maiden Final appearance courstesy of a single goal victory in a tight and cagey affair. Clifford made use of his chances to advance to the final vs Carl.
Chris secured third place in a very entertaining game against Carl and once again highlighted the great sportsmanship prevalent at these games. Clifford proved too strong for Johan, who proved to be unlucky on a number of occasions when he had Clifford against the ropes to secure another Joburg Open title. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the comeraderie and great sportmanship that exists between all club members.
VAR in Subbuteo was used for the first time in South Africa, and probably the world, when a referral was made to the 'panel' re the legitimacy of one of the penalty flicks in the 3rd Place Play-off. Waynne captured the contentious flick on his cell phone and after much deliberation and great banter and laughter amongst all present, the goal was rightfully DISALLOWED!
Well done to all the Eagle members for a great day.
(Report by Clifford Graaff)
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