In Queestown, Eastern Cape, locals had a feast of football, starting this morning at 10am with women and men semi-finals. The vast and largely rural region is the only one in the Cell C sponsored tournaments that had women and men’s soccer.

In the women’s games, Lukanji United were crowned this year’s champions, after thumping Cumakala FC 5-0 in the final. United had progressed to the final courtesy of a 7-0 humiliation of Giant Killers, while Cumakala FC beat All Stars 2-1 to book their place in the final.

Winning captain, Zikhona Gqola attributed the success of her team to match fitness and dedication. "We are excited about the win. This win will build team spirit".

Though Cumakala had countless chances to score, they just could not penetrate the solid United defence. "I am disappointed because we created many chances, but could not convert any of them", says Cumakala FC captain, Meziswa Bidi.

In the men’s final, local favourites Amathole FC take on perpetual underdogs Holy Kings. Amathole beat Morning Stars to qualify for the finals, while Holy Kings hammered Zola Sundowns 8-2.

"It is going to be tough. We like the underdogs tag because that takes away the pressure, allowing us to play our normal game," says Andile Ntluko, captain of Holy Kings, ahead of the final. Amathole FC captain Samkelo Maso says they like being under pressure because that makes them perform.

Though the weather was not conducive to outdoor sports, with a light drizzle forecast for the day, fans came in their numbers to support their teams and enjoy the game. The mood was electrifying in Queenstown ahead of the final. It was a mixture of all type of noise: the DJ’s pounding house music, blaring from the big sound system; teams singing a cappella inspirational songs, as they went onto the field; blaring vuvuzelas and voices of excited fans as they queued to buy Cell C sim cards and other products.

Tournament organisers say after the final, they will have an awards ceremony to honour outstanding performers. "As tournament organisers, we feel that the players need to be motivated and inspired to go further with sports. So we are using these awards as an incentive for the players," says Maphelo Beja, one of the organisers in Queenstown.

At Idutywa FC Buffalo hammered Ndabakazi All Stars 10-1 in their semi-final clash, while Bushbucks beat Hotspurs 1-0 to also advance to the final. In Mthatha, Happy Brothers walloped Mhlontlo FC 3-0 to proceed to the final, while Bizana Lucky Stars beat Bityi All Stars 2-1. The finals in both areas will be played later this afternoon.