The Stanturf United ‘Tournament of Dreams’ is certainly living up to its name with the platform it creates for talented footballers and match officials to do just that – dream!
The organisers have certainly backed up their commitment to football development in the third edition of the spectacle on all fronts with the introduction of a new girls’ and ladies’ section.
”This is to help minimise the gap between the Sasol Womens League and the Regional Womens League,” said the tournament director, Safwaan Arendse.
Arendse’s vision for growing the game does not just have the fairer sex on the playing field but extends the opportunity to young aspiring officials who share a common passion for the beautiful game.
According to Arendse it is just as important to level the playing fields for the young women when it comes to officiating. This year the tournament will unveil young referees who are still the proverbial ‘wet behind the ears’ and in primary school but have a burning desire and passion to learn the game and become top officials in SA football in the future.
From the 48 match officials participating in the upcoming tournament, there are three females – two from Mitchell Plain LFA (MPLFA) and 1 from Gugulethu. The trio are also currently officiating in the women’s league.
“We also have about 20 young aspiring up-and-coming match officials, the youngest being a 15 year and 16-year-old in Kuhle Tetani and Akhanyile Mfihlo from Site C respectively,” Arendse confirmed.
”They were also appointed for the Round of 16 of the Coke Cup and have both already passed the regional fitness tests which is fantastic news and really inspiring, you know” said ”Saffie”, as Arendse is affectionately known.
”From MPLFA we have 11 youngsters who showed a lot of potential and commitment to becoming top match officials. They have all passed their Level 1 and 2 referee’s exams respectively and are currently busy preparing for our tournament to implement and put their skills and talent on show and to the test.
”With the referees being one of the main elements of our event it is more important to create opportunities for the young referees in our region.” Arendse further stated.
”We are always looking at ways to improve and to make things better for the sake of our participants. I can gladly announce that this year our referees will be well looked after with two kits. They will also have accommodation for referees from outside the Mitchells Plain area. That is if the City of Cape Town approves the Blue Waters resort for us for free of charge,” Arendse concluded.
The tournament starts from 24 November to 25 November 2023 at the Rocklands Sport Complex.
