By Nhlanhla Mabunda, Siyabonga Goni & Lukanyo Tshitshi
CPUT Res team lined up ahead of the playoff's second rounds held at Bellville Campus sports grounds, image credit: Siyabonga Goni.
Playing under the blazing summer sun of the western coast, four CPUT Res teams out of 16 gained promotion to the 1st Division of the CPUT Res League, following their exceptional victories in the first and second rounds of playoffs held at CPUT Bellville campus sports grounds.
Freedom Square II FC, Rise FC, MGR1 FC, and SP Orchards FC gained promotion and will see themselves competing in the top-flight Res League of CPUT after spending the 2023 season in a lower division.
Freedom Square II FC and newcomers Rise FC, respectively, managed to hold on to their 1-0 lead to book themselves spots in the 1st division. Freedom Square II FC got better off City Edge Residence FC, while Rise FC triumphed over President House FC.
Meanwhile, in the second game of the day, the SP Orchards FC showcased their ethos as they defeated Mountain House FC 2-1. MGR1 FC and NMJ FC's second-round playoff encounter ended 1-1, and it was decided on penalty shootouts with MGR1 FC coming out victorious, 4-3.
With a legion of 20 teams, five newcomers, and 19 games to be played by each team, the 2024 season is ostensibly better and more competitive than last year.
Talking to Future News, the chairperson of the CPUT Res League football executive committee, Kedibone Mbiza, told the publication that the competition in the league will undoubtedly be on the upper level this season.
“Our league will have competition; competition was there last year; those who were there know what we are talking about; they know the challenges that we had in everything and every experience,
“What matters at the end of the day is to give the fans what they want,” said Kedibone.
Coming to the 2024 season, the reigning champions, Freedom Square I, will be in the battle of retaining their title, while the newly promoted sides will be looking to make their mark and their presence felt.
The playoff games paved the way for the Easter tournament, expected to kick off next weekend, and the official kick-off of the Res soccer league is yet to be confirmed.
Stay informed, stay ahead with scorching news!
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