Everton
FC midfield star Steven Pienaar returned home to support the annual Steven
Pienaar Community Tournament which took place over consecutive weekends in his
old neighbourhood of Westbury, with the final played on Monday June 17.
The
creative midfielder, who still has family and friends in Westbury and visits
whenever he comes back to South Africa, was mobbed by fans of all ages and
generously obliged by signing hundreds of autographs and posing for
photographs.
“It
is an honour to be involved in the event in Westbury, these kids don’t have
many opportunities so it is important for me to help them take the first steps
to a better life,” said Pienaar.
The
annual tournament featured 120 teams spread across under 8, under 11, under 13,
under 15, under 20, seniors and masters categories from the following clubs:
Argies, Marseille, Benfica, Westbury Spurs, Zico Boys, Palmero’s, Eldos
Sporting, MaNats, Madrid, Yorkshires, Nazerene, Nip&Nip, Brazillians,
Bellavista, Shaggy, Westbury Stars, Noordgesig FC, The Boys, Commordores,
Milan, Left and Right, Randfontein, Edenpark Callie’s, Leeds, Puff Daddy
United, Oval Masters, Clairemont, Porto, Popcorn Valley, Deluxe United, Future
Masters, Son United, Ayoba Guilt, Ennerdale, Tokies United, Nigel FC, City FC,
Umlilo and Crimson Lads.
The
teams played group games over the weekend of 8 and 9 June, with the
quarterfinals, semi-finals, 3rd place playoff and final on Saturday 15 June,
Sunday 16 June and Monday June 17. The senior final was won by Nazerene FC who
beat Tokies United 2-1 to claim the R20 000 first prize. The runners-up took
home R10 000 with R2 500 to each of the losing semi-finalists.