South Africa presents
Sub-Socca’s
Futsal Tournament 2005

With the tournament currently underway in Johannesburg, South Africa, a good turn out has been present for all the matches that have taken place thus far. And it goes without saying that the league table is beginning to take some shape as all 11 teams are hoping to reach a top 4 spot in order to qualify for the semi finals in October.

We have had some exhilarating moments with Futsal in South Africa, as most are amateurs to this new form of football but the likes of Andrea Cristoforetti’s true class has been on display in sunny SA. And this has not gone unnoticed, as numerous compliments about the Italian maestro have been voiced upon many occasions. But lets give you an update on the results and league table thus far:

LEAGUE STANDINGS
1. Paul’s Auto -------------------4-4-0-0-48--9-39-12
2. Getto 7 -----------------------4-4-0-0-35--8-27-12
3. Mexican Frogz -----------------4-3-0-1-37-19-18-9
4. Lusitano ----------------------4-3-0-1-32-20-12-9
5. Anglo Pac ---------------------4-2-0-2-38-26-12-6
6. DM Homes ----------------------2-1-0-1-15-13--2-3
7. U2-----------------------------3-1-0-2-18-20--2-3
8. Blackpool ---------------------4-1-0-3-20-33-13-3
9. MPG ---------------------------3-0-0-3--9-35-26-0
10.Magnificent 8 -----------------3-0-0-3--4-32-28-0
11.Grand Champs ------------------3-0-0-3--5-46-41-0

Due to unforeseen circumstances two of the teams that had entered initially have been removed from the league and only one more team was added, hence leaving an odd number of teams. This explains the reason for some teams having played more matches than others.

But as one can see it is very close at the pinnacle of the league table, with the top 5 teams being separated only by 6 points and the top 8 teams by 9 points, the last 3 teams have some ground to make up.

Although many have voiced their concern regarding the inconsistent refereeing decisions, one has to take into account that this is new to the officials as well. South Africa is not accustomed to the game of Futsal but is definitely learning fast.

Here is an in depth look at the results so far:

Results
Paul’s Auto - Mexican Frogz 4–2
Anglo Pac - MPG 9–1
Getto 7 - Grand Champs 9–0
Blackpool - Lusitano 6–7
U2 - Paul’s Auto 4–6
Mexican Frogz - Blackpool 16–6
Grand Champs - Anglo Pac 5-15
DM Homes - Getto 7 6-8
Lusitano - Magnificent 8 14-2
Paul’s Auto - MPG 16-3
Mexican Frogz - U2 9-4
Anglo Pac - DM Homes 5-9
Getto 7 - Lusitano 3-0
Blackpool - Magnificent 8 3-0
Grand Champs - Paul’s Auto 0-22
MPG - Mexican Frogz 5-10
U2 - Blackpool 10-5
Lusitano - Anglo Pac 11-9
Magnificent 8 - Getto 7 2-15

The most gripping game to date must definitely be Lusitano’s victory over Blackpool as it was won in the dying moments of the match. But with some close matches and some won by a fair margin, one can definitely begin to start selecting their favorites for top honors.

Currently Michael Ferreira for Anglo Pac is leading the goal scoring charts and on course to take the Golden Boot award, but to many its not all about scoring, but about getting their team the 3 points in order to reach the semi finals.

But with an established player like Andrea Cristoforetti offering his guidance and ability, it has definitely been a major learning curve for all, and one that has been well worth it to very last minute.

Brought to you by: Warren Fernandes

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Monday, August 15, 2005

Inside Sub-Socca's Futsal had the pleasure of interviewing the Anglo Pac team. Anglo Pac have played 3, won 2 and lost 1 as they are still on course for one of the semi final spots. They also have the current top scorer Michael Ferreira in their team, this is what Anglo Pac had to say:

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself/ves and a brief history of where you have been in the football world?

The team was created this year for the first time; most of the players know each other and have played with each other. The team consists of a bit of everything from defense to strikers. Our team has three defending champs, Dario, Nuno and Roger. There are three 1st team Union players and one 1st team Luso Globo player. The rest of the team consists of players with great caliber who can play the game, such as kamikaze goalkeeper Marco R, and then there is also Jorge R, Marco V and Bruno N.

2. How would you rate the tournament provided by Sub Socca and its organizing committee?

Well-organized apart form slightly inconsistent refereeing.

3. How do you think playing by official Futsal laws and regulations affect the tournament, is it for the better or for the worse?

It makes the game more competitive.

4. A lot has been said about the five accumulated fouls rule, what are your views on this and is it beneficial to protecting players and cleaning up the game?

It makes the game more exciting as teams are penalized for playing too defensively or conceding fouls to slow the game down. So if your team has sharp shooters this may be an advantage to score more goals and get an edge on the opposition.

5. With the tournament currently underway, who do you see as key players that you know of that are competing in this tournament?

No Comment

6. And in your own squad, who do you see as key members in the team and why?

The entire team works as a whole. Any player on the field at any given time is worth watching out for.

7. Do you believe the quality of soccer and competitiveness is getting tougher in this tournament?

The teams have definitely impressed us this year as can be seen by the results. Although the newer teams will improve as the tournament progresses.

8. To put you on the spot, which teams do you think will make the semi finals?

The top 4 teams…

9. For people reading this, what are your final thoughts on the tournament as a whole? Would you recommend it or not?

Yes I would recommend this tournament because it is great fun and competitive.

10. Finally, would you like to see this tournament receive more attention and eventually give players an extra avenue to pursue in professional careers?

Yes, it’s nice to see the tournament get bigger and see players pursue professional careers in Futsal.

Thank You

Well there is Anglo Pac’s verdict, a nicely tackled question 8 and no comments in question 5, seems Anglo Pac are keeping their pack of cards close to their chest and not divulging too much information just yet.

Brought to you by: Warren Fernandes


Posted by Mico Martic --> mico.martic@futsalplanet.com