Tournament by the Sea set to kick off on Human Rights Day

Strandfontein AFC’s annual under-14 Tournament by the Sea is set to kick off on Human Rights Day, on Friday March 21, at Strandfontein sports complex.

A highlight on the junior soccer calendar, the 2025 edition of the tournament looks to continue long-standing club rivalries, giving young footballers a platform to play against clubs out of their areas and leagues in a fun, competitive environment. "The tournament celebrates its 24th edition this year," said club-vice chairman Shuabe Samuels. "It should have been its 27th year, three editions were skipped over time," he said.

Originally an under-13 competition, the club, which is celebrating its 47th anniversary this year, decided to change to an under-14 tournament, in line with MPLFA and Fifa age groups.

"Organising an event like this comes with its challenges, especially in football, where all safety and security measures must be meticulously met to ensure the well-being of both patrons and players at the sports complex," Samuels said.  "Thankfully, our dynamic tournament committee works tirelessly to keep everything on track. Planning is the key to a successful tournament," he said.

"We are thrilled to welcome teams from far and wide. Spectators can expect an electrifying showcase of youth football."

The groups as drawn at the tournament’s official launch, held at Strandfontein community centre, on Saturday March 14, are: 

Group A: Firefighters; Cape Town Spurs; Wanderers and; FC Kapstadt. 

Group B: Wolves; Greenwood 1; Westridge 1 and; Bayview

Group C: Lansdowne; Rygersdal; Strandfontein 2 and; Ubuntu

Group D: D6, Lusitania; Beautiful Gate and; Greenwood 2

Group E: FC Cafda; Westridge 2; Liverpool and Wynberg St John

Group F: Golden United; Shosholoza; Strandfontein 1 and; Ashford

Group G: Bayhill; FC Ballers; Fulham FC and; Kensington