SAB League kicks off

FOOTBALL NEWS - The SAB league season kicked off with great enthusiasm and excitement this past weekend. The Masizakhe stadium grand stand was abuzz with excitement as football lovers watched their teams play with determination and vigour.

Football, one of the most played sport codes, suffers from a severe lack of development. The only local field for the SAB League is uMasizakhe and the stadium is in a shocking state.

PHOTO GALLERY: SAB League season

Fans and supporters come from all over Graaff-Reinet and surrounds but nothing is done to improve the facilities.

The Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipaly Football Association, that forms stream D, has nine teams.

Chairperson of Morocco Eagles FC, Will Blaauw says some clubs and members in our areas are not really developing or growing yet. "It's more for enjoyment even now, the SAB League is like a joke and games are not taken seriously. There is no discipline, some want to dictate and there is lot of undermining of referees and no respect among players and clubs," says Blaauw.

He pleads for real development in football, especially for the development of the under elevens to age seventeen, who easily fall prey to alcohol and drug abuse. Blaauw says the football fraternity should stand together to create unity for development.

The SAB League season has started, but they are still struggling to bring discipline among coaches and managers within the football arena, says Advocate Patrick Sota of Portugal Birds. "We see great potential within our youngsters."

The game between Portugal Birds and Birds United was clear proof that local football is on another level. The Birds derby played at uMasizakhe soccer stadium on Saturday showcased great effort and determination. Portugal Birds had the edge on Birds United and at 3-2 claimed the derby bragging rights. "I must say it was not easy for Portugal Birds and this is testimony that our local football has improved in the last two seasons," says Sota. "My hope for 2023 is that the municipality and the private sector help to develop and improve our local sport facilities."