The Smirnoff Raga Bolo Eastern Champions Speakeasy Tavern have vowed that they will not disappoint at the nationals next month.
This is after the Port Elizabeth side were crowned provincial champions in a competition that featured eight other clubs from across the province.
East London’s Jeff’s Place failed to impress with losses to Mavelas, Gebane, Natalies Pub before winning 1-0 against the eventual champions.
According to Speakeasy club manager Wandile Manentsa, the goal now was to go on to conquer in Johannesburg next month when they are pitted against other provincial champs.
“We managed to come out tops pitted against the best of the best in the province.
“I don’t see why we shouldn’t do the same in Johannesburg,” he said. “We’ll be there representing the Eastern Cape and we promise that we’ll come home as national champions.”
The Smirnoff Raga Bolo competition is the country’s most popular street football competition, with prize money worth R100000 for the national champions.
Manentsa said winning the cash prize would go a long way for his Veeplaas-based team and the Tavern at large.
“The money will provide us with the opportunity to grow the team and the Tavern.
“Street football is our life because we are unemployed and only playing soccer keeps us occupied so that we don’t involve ourselves in illegal acts.”
Manentsa bemoaned the cold shoulder given to women’s football in the country and went on to reveal that part of their goal was to aggressively develop their female side if they win the national crown.
In the same breath, he called on the competition’s organisers, Smirnoff, to consider the inclusion of a female section in the near future.
Manentsa credited his club’s progression to the unity and common understanding that existed between players, a trait he hoped would stand them in good stead at the nationals.
Speakeasy’s road to become provincial champions included double victories over Natalies Pub, Mavelas, Egogweni and Gebane, who they thumped 3-0 ion the final.
Speakeasy EC’s street football champs
This is after the Port Elizabeth side were crowned provincial champions in a competition that featured eight other clubs from across the province.
East London’s Jeff’s Place failed to impress with losses to Mavelas, Gebane, Natalies Pub before winning 1-0 against the eventual champions.
According to Speakeasy club manager Wandile Manentsa, the goal now was to go on to conquer in Johannesburg next month when they are pitted against other provincial champs.
“We managed to come out tops pitted against the best of the best in the province.
“I don’t see why we shouldn’t do the same in Johannesburg,” he said. “We’ll be there representing the Eastern Cape and we promise that we’ll come home as national champions.”
The Smirnoff Raga Bolo competition is the country’s most popular street football competition, with prize money worth R100000 for the national champions.
Manentsa said winning the cash prize would go a long way for his Veeplaas-based team and the Tavern at large.
“The money will provide us with the opportunity to grow the team and the Tavern.
“Street football is our life because we are unemployed and only playing soccer keeps us occupied so that we don’t involve ourselves in illegal acts.”
Manentsa bemoaned the cold shoulder given to women’s football in the country and went on to reveal that part of their goal was to aggressively develop their female side if they win the national crown.
In the same breath, he called on the competition’s organisers, Smirnoff, to consider the inclusion of a female section in the near future.
Manentsa credited his club’s progression to the unity and common understanding that existed between players, a trait he hoped would stand them in good stead at the nationals.
Speakeasy’s road to become provincial champions included double victories over Natalies Pub, Mavelas, Egogweni and Gebane, who they thumped 3-0 ion the final.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos