FREESTYLE SOCCER CONTEST AT GATEWAY MALL

Competitors and fans alike crowded Gateway Mall to watch some of Durban’s best freestyle soccer players compete for a chance to be crowned the Red Bull Street Style champion.

Competitors and fans alike crowded Gateway Mall to watch some of Durban’s best freestyle soccer players compete for a chance to be crowned the Red Bull Street Style champion.

This freestyle soccer contest takes place in 60 countries around the world and a representative from each country will attend the Red Bull Street Style World Final in Cape Town in April 2010.

Regional qualifiers have been taking place all over South Africa and the finalists from these regionals will meet in Johannesburg later this month for the National Final.

The three finalists from Durban going through to Johannesburg are: Sibusiso Ndlovu (Tafuleni), Philani Gumede (Umlazi) and Siyabonga Myeza (Kwamashu).

Sibusiso and Philani are no strangers to the contest, they were finalists in last years’ contest and will compete again for a shot at the title. Sibusiso said: “I want another chance to compete for my city (PMB) and my country. It’s a great contest and it is helping to develop the sport of freestyle soccer in our country.”

The first female freestyler to compete at the qualifiers so far, Fezeka Mbambo, managed a top eight spot. Fezeka plays for the Durban ladies’ soccer team and came down to the contest to show the judges that the ladies have skills too.

Head judge, Ryan Wilkisky, said that he was impressed with what Durban had to offer. “I think it’s great that these guys have been practicing for this because it shows. They have clearly put in the effort and now all their hard work is paying off.”

Cape Town, East London and Durban have now hosted their regional qualifiers. The next and final stop is Johannesburg on 24 October. Once the top 16 finalists have been announced, they will head off to Soweto on 25 October for the National Final where one freestyler will be selected to represent South Africa at the Red Bull Street Style World Final in Cape Town, April, 2010.

Regional qualifier dates:

24 October – Gauteng – Maponya Mall, Soweto

Registration starts at 10h00 and contest starts at 11h00

National Final

25 October – Gauteng – Maponya Mall, Soweto