New look 7-aside Communities Football Cup has a new champion - Palestinian Panthers
Football's big cats gave a roaring performance at this weekend's NZ Communities Football Cup (NZCFC) final.
25-year-old Naji Ghamri, captain (with the trophy) of the winning Palestine team, who moved to Auckland when he was nine, noted, “We played eight matches over the weekend, and the team is glad that we won the tournament in our first attempt.”
Over the weekend at the 11th NZCFC, the Palestinian Panthers and Czech Lions gave spectators a nail biting finish after drawing nil all after extra time. The two teams stood together shoulder to shoulder and cheered each other on during the penalty shootout, with the final score 4-2 to the Panthers.
The win secures the Panthers $1,500 prize money and an automatic place in the 2020 tournament. Other teams must win regional ethnic football tournaments or compete on invitation of NZCFC. The tournament has been dominated for the past ten years by Somalia Stars from Wellington and Refugee Youth Action Network from Auckland.
Tournament newcomers NZ South Africa beat seasoned NZCFC competitors Ireland (score 3 to 1) in a hard-fought match to take home the Plate. NZ South Africa team member Josh Jeftha was awarded the MVP trophy (Josh is a talented 17 year old player and potential All White who stood out throughout the tournament with his ball control, quick feet, drilling and accurate ball distribution, passes and great sportmanship).
Deputy Commissioner Wally Haumaha attended the tournament and was impressed with the ethnic diversity of the teams. “The tournament provides a fantastic opportunity to recruit from diverse communities. Last week, our first female Afghani graduated as a Constable and will be a great asset to Police. Like many others who have joined, she has faced challenges and overcome them with strength and tenacity”.
Pancha Narayana, President of New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils, added, “I applaud everyone who participated and made this tournament a great success.”
Papakura's McLennan Park, Papakura FC and Pulman Lodge provided excellent facilities for the two day tournament, which successfully transitioned into a 7-aside format this year.
NZCFC uses football to promote positive social outcomes such as social inclusion, health and wellbeing of families and communities, which the Panthers and Lions demonstrated so well during the penalty shootout. It is also growing its women's and youth football tournaments to increase its reach. It also holds a youth football clinic to encourage students in a local school to participate in football and other positive socially interactive activities, and promotes the White Ribbon campaign.
For teams wanting to follow the tournament and compete next year https://www.facebook.com/search/posts/?q=nzcfc&epa=SERP_TAB
Join the team that makes the difference https://www.newcops.co.nz
-Gaurav Sharma