Madrid prove at play-offs that they are no pushover
May 07 2008 01:13:51:787PM  - (SA)  
Ishmael Modiba

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The play-offs were staged in Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal last Sunday.

Madrid had the opportunity to represent the province at the national play-offs after winning the provincial championship.

Unfortunately the local boys lost their first two games to Brazil 4-0 and Juventus 3-1, respectively.

However, Madrid had to prove that they were no pushover as they redeemed themselves when they defeated Kuils River from the Western Cape 3-1.

The competition features the winners of the nine provinces.

Representing the province at the national play-offs was a double celebration for Madrid. The team was still on cloud nine after being promoted to the Vodacom League and would start the tough campaign in the 2008-’09 season.

Established in 1987, the team now has five divisions, hence the success to make it through to this year’s play-offs.

Madrid’s other development teams campaign in the following development leagues: u.15, u.17 and u.19.

According to George Moitsemang, Madrid’s coach, the national play-offs were an eye opener for the team.

“We realised that when it comes to physique, our boys could not match our counterparts, who played well.

“However, coming to our style of play we got recognition and happened to be the most liked team by our opponents,” he said.

Moitsemang added: “Our future plans are that by 2010/2011 our club should be in the National First Division because we only managed to get promotion to the Vodacom League recently which we intend to stay in for two seasons. The experience gained at the national play-offs would go a long way to enable us to improve our standard.

“We have some idea what to expect and do at bigger tournaments.”

Last season’s play-offs were staged in Galeshewe, with the province champions, Morestêr Jeug reaching the final.

They took home a bronze medal as third place achievers.

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