More than 300 under-17 soccer players took to the field for the inaugural Hope Cup at the Salberau Sport Field in Elsies River. The event kicked off on Heritage Day and concluded on Friday, 27 September. The event brought together 16 schools from across the city – from Bishop Lavis to Atlantis – for a thrilling display of talent, teamwork and community pride.
The tournament, supported by the South African Football Association Cape Town (SAFA-CT), benefitted from their expertise in co-ordinating the participating schools and ensuring smooth operations and fair competition throughout.
Spearheaded by Craig Walters from Leonsdale, the Hope Cup is an initiative aimed at keeping learners engaged during school holidays while providing exposure to tertiary institutions scouting young talent. Walters, a former youth footballer, collaborated with local Ward Councillor, Alderman Christopher Jordaan, to secure support from the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, as well as a ward allocation to bring the event to life.
Added to the excitement was the enthusiastic turnout from the surrounding communities during the week-long September school holiday period. Friends, family and local residents came out in full force to support the players, cheering them on through every nail-biting match. Spectators enjoyed the camaraderie, thrilling finishes and the spirited atmosphere as they rallied behind their teams, making the event not just a competition but a true celebration of community.
St. Andrews High School from Elsies River emerged as champions, narrowly defeating Excelsior High School 4-3 on penalties after a hard-fought goalless draw. Masibambisani High School won the Plate Section with a 5-4 victory on penalties after their match against President High School ended 1-1.
Player accolades included Sanco Olkers from Valhalla High as Player of the Tournament, Duante Jones from St. Andrews as Goalkeeper of the Tournament and Zendine Koopman from Excelsior High and Damon Klein from Elsies River High tying for Top Goalscorer, with five goals each.
‘The Hope Cup is more than just a soccer tournament – it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when communities come together for the benefit of our youth. Sport plays a vital role in steering young people towards positive paths and we’re proud to support initiatives like this that create opportunities for future generations,’ said Alderman Christopher Jordaan, Ward 28 local Ward Councillor
‘As a City, we are committed to fostering environments that uplift our youth. This tournament has not only promoted physical activity, but also strengthened the bonds within our communities. Seeing the enthusiasm and talent on the field gives us hope for a brighter future,’ said Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health
With support from the City, SAFA-CT and local stakeholders, the Hope Cup will continue to be a beacon of opportunity and hope, bringing communities together and offering a positive outlet for the city’s youth.
