RAIN DOESN'T STOP FREESTYLE SOCCER PLAYERS!
In less than perfect weather, players and fans packed the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre to witness the first regional qualifier of the Red Bull Street Style freestyle soccer contest.
From all over the Western Cape, freestyle soccer players got the chance to compete for a top 3 spot to enter into the National Final of Red Bull Street Style which will see them competing against finalists from all over South Africa.
There were some old faces that reappeared for another shot at the title, to name a few; Zane Labuschange, Brian Lockyer and Mzwandile Mbodlana who had all competed in last years Red Bull Street Style contest. Last year’s winner, Chris Njokwana was in the crowd cheering the guys on but also sizing up the competition to see what he’ll be up against. Chris automatically qualifies for the National Final in Johannesburg on 25 October as the winner of Red Bull Street Style 2008.
The top honours on the day went to Mzukisi Madela (Langa), Kyle Rinquest and Edward Thomson (Table View). The battles were tough and required some extra skill as the rain poured down over the stage making it tricky for the ballers to maintain balance on some of their moves.
The judges had a tough decision this year as the notably more skilled players made it difficult for them to decide on a winner in numerous rounds.
This year the judging panel consists of Ryan Wilks (soccer journalist), George Dearnaley (former AmaZulu and Bafana striker) and David Nyati (former Bafana Bafana left-back). “The level of skill that we have seen today has been great. Some of the guys that we saw last year are back and have improved dramatically. It’s awesome to see that once the contest is over, these guys are still practicing and keeping in touch.” said Wilks.
The top 3 have been chosen but there is still an opportunity for a wild card position, so this may not be the end of the road for one of these lucky Capetonians.
The next stop for the Red Bull Street Style contest is East London where the search for the best freestyle soccer stars continues.
26 September – East London – Mdantsane City
11 October – Durban – Gateway Theatre of Shopping – Palm Court
24 October – Gauteng – Maponya Mall, Soweto
National Final
25 October – Gauteng – Maponya Mall, Soweto
