Christmas Soccer Match: The Lucky Leopards

Adam Bannister November 30, 2012 5

It’s one of Londolozi’s longest standing traditions: a fierce soccer/football match, which acts as a curtain raiser to the annual staff christmas party. This year, like all those before, was heated and brutal. Blood was spilt and knees grazed as the two teams tore into each other. Spurred on by the flamboyant crowd, the ultimate reward of bragging rights was at stake.

The Londolozi Hyenas receiving their match shirts from Coach, Manager and Chief Motivator Duncan McClarty.

The Londolozi Hyenas starting lineup.

The Londolozi Leopards’ starting lineup

The two teams could not differ more if you tried. On the one side you had the strong, fit and skillful Londolozi Leopards (the official team). On the other side, and representing those less talented, less skillful, less fit, but just as passionate, you had the Rangers and Camp managers. This team of has-beens and has-never-beens is the Londolozi Hyenas: an exhibition team that only forms for one day a year.

Byron Serrao looks on as Mike Sithole clears the ball

In all the years the Hyenas have only managed one victory which came in the 2011 event. Sadly, they were not able to defend their title as the Leopards came from 0-1 down to win 3-1. As the mercury boiled over, it was the smell of boerewors and the thought of ice cold beers that kept both teams thundering into the last minutes of the game.

Daniel Buys soars in defense. Butler Phanuel Ubisi took a serious blow to the head from Daniel’s hip in this move, as seen in the photo. Dan has been spending many hours in the gym, and his extra bulk put some serious momentum behind his hip, resulting in a very sore head for Phanuel!

Adam Bannister about to receive a boot to the ankle!

For me the highlight was the ‘Gangnam Style’ dance which took place as the celebration after the Hyenas scored their one – and only – goal!

The Hyenas dance in celebration of their goal, scored by tracker Jeffrey Mhlongo

A great game of soccer to kick off a wonderful night for the staff of Londolozi. To the Londolozi Leopards I have this to say…you got lucky this time!