Morgan captures Joburg Open

Sean Morgan (left) receives award from Clifford Graaff

Sunday the 25th of October saw the annual Joburg Open being played at Randburg AFC. The Joburg Open is the oldest Subbuteo Tournament in South Africa and Africa, with the first tournament being played in 2008.

This year's edition attracted a lot of interest with a total entries numbering 21.

The Boys Juniors got the ball rolling and saw a field of 8 local boys from Randburg FC and Transition FC divided into 2 groups of 4. Although goals were at a premium, Phumz Chabangu and Declan Wright qualified from Group A, along with Asanthi Ngobe and Sifiso Chauke. Penalty shoot-outs determined the semi finals with Asanthi and Phumz qualifying for a tense Boys Final. Asanthi held his nerve, and scored a marathon 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory to claim the Juniors Boys title.

8 players attended the tournament

The Ladies section, drew the biggest field ever field for a Ladis Subbuteo tournament in South Africa when 8 ladies flicked off to see who would rule the Ladies section. 

The format was a straight knock-out draw and the highlight was the absolute fun and good nature that prevailed through-out the knock-out stages. Jason Kennedy was roped in multiple times as the ladies loved to refer goal-line attempts to VAR. Once again, VAR was not popular although the results were accepted with the normal football chirps.

Nita Graaff qualified for the final against Noni Khumalo in a tight contested final that was only decided via a penalty shoot-out. Nita prevailed in a marathon penalty shoot-out which went to sudden-death and claim her maiden title against a gracious runner-up in Noni.

General consensus amongst all the Ladies were the enjoyment of the day and the fact that they would be back to grace the tables with their presence.

Five senior men contested a very tight and competitive Mens Open with Sean Morgan continuing his current unbeaten streak by easily qualifying for the final with a 100% record in the group stages. Angus Begg, displaying a great improvement, captured a well deserved second spot over Clifford and Jason, to set up a mouth watering final clash vs Sean.

Several ladies played their first Subbuteo tournament

The Joburg Open Final did not disappoint, as Sean and Angus dished up a great spectacle, highlighting the reason for the longevity of our great game. Angus was quick on the attack, however Sean's precise defending kept Angus at bay. Sean then pounced on a mistake by Angus in the midfield to set up his customary wide break and the resultant top corner shot could not be stopped by Angus. Angus then through everything into attack, however just before the final whistle, Sean caught Angus with a counter-attack and a precise through ball saw Sean score his second goal and insure that he captures this years Johannesburg Open title. Sean was also the winner of the inaugural tournament way back in 2008. 

Congratulations must go to all the entrants, as fair play and enjoyment, the club ethos of the Johannesburg Table Football Club aka The Eagles was evident throughout the entire tournament and Subbuteo was the ultimate winner in the end!

(Report by Clifford Graaff)