The Ultimate Showdown – 2023 PG Bison Ugie Knockout Cup

PG Bison Knockout Cup

On 18 and 19 March 2023, the sports grounds at the Ugie High School were buzzing with spectators waiting in great anticipation for the annual PG Bison Knockout Cup to kick-off. The tournament between the Eastern Cape soccer and netball teams from Ugie, Elliot, Mount Fletcher, and Maclear was graced with great weather allowing the teams to challenge each other on a fair playing field.

Spectators and children came in numbers to support the teams. Francis Zhangazha, PG Bison General Manager: NECF, and Roger Muller, PG Bison Engineering Manager: Ugie Plant, welcomed the community and thanked them for their continued support of the tournament.

All teams came well prepared, which made the tournament very competitive. But, as in any competition, the best team won. Congratulations to the victors: the Ugie Stars FC football team took home a trophy and R 15 000, the second runner-up Elliot Citizen FC received R 10 000.

Andile Yakobi, Ugie Stars FC football team coach said, “Thank you PG Bison for hosting this tournament. We are grateful for the opportunity and prize money that will enable us to participate in the upcoming soccer league.”

The netball over 25s winner was Mount Fletcher, they received a trophy and R 10 000, and the runner-up was the Elliot team, they took R 5 000 in prize money. The under 25s winner was Ugie, they took home a trophy and R 10 000, and the runner-up was Elliot under 25s, the team received R 5 000.

The tournament was not only about soccer and netball, however, PG Bison ensured that it was a fun-filled event for the children in the community, as well as the players and spectators, by providing facilitated games for the children, meals for a total number of 4 000 children and community members, as well as providing more than 700 children with umbrellas to protect them from the scorching sun and heavy rains on their way to and from school.

“In line with our purpose, ‘to inspire and enable spaces where people experience wonderful moments and create lasting memories, we will continue to host such events that facilitate a collaborative and supportive environment where soccer and netball players can thrive and reach their potential, support local businesses, and provide a safe environment for children to play,” said Nomvuyo Mehlo, PG Bison Cluster Liaison Manager.