The MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Mrs Weziwe Thusi has applauded Lamontville Golden Arrows for being crowned the champions of the inaugural Premier’s Cup. Arrows played against AmaZulu in the finals at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Sunday, 31 July 2011.
The pre-season tournament hosted by the Department of Sport and Recreation in KwaZulu-Natal featured the three premiership clubs in the province AmaZulu FC, Lamontville Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United as well as top first division side Thanda Royal Zulu.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Dr Zweli Mkhize and the MEC Thusi attended the tournament and were highly impressed with the success of the inaugural tournament. They were particularly happy with the spectator turnout and behavior. The 15 000 sitter stadium was filled to a 13 000 security acceptable capacity.
The event lived to the expectations with teams displaying quality performances, except for the drought of goals in all the three stages of the finals. The final was decided on penalties and AmaZulu handed the trophy to Arrows as result of their two misses.
The second semi-final between Arrows and Martitzbug United was also decided on penalties. Only the first between Thanda Royal Zulu and Amazulu produced a single goal.
A big plus for the tournament was the coming on board of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). The final was broadcast live on SABC 1 and Ukhozi FM. The two semi-finals earlier were also recorded in full by the SABC sport and will be shown as highlight in their other programmes.
MEC Thusi declared that Premier Cup will be an annual tournament and appealed to private sector sponsors to come on board. She said the venue will be rotated to accommodate people from all other regions.
For further information contact:
Jomo Biyela
Cell: 082 454 3553
Bheki Ncube
Cell: 082 575 4164
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation
Sports MEC Weziwe Thusi congratulates Arrows on winning the Premier’s Cup
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