To promote culture, sport and recreation, Mapon University’s student coordination is organising a football tournament from 17 July to 21 August 2021.
It brings together students from different years and faculties to strengthen relationships beyond academic life.
Six teams are taking part: University staff; Preparatory A and B, reflecting the large class size; first- and second-year Engineering; and first-year Economics.
Student sports minister Sixte Atumisi Ngoi, a second-year Engineering student, said matches would be played at the University stadium between noon and 4 pm. Prizes are planned for the top three teams, best player, top scorer and leading assist provider.
The tournament began on Saturday 17 July 2021 in an electric atmosphere under Kindu’s intense sunshine.
Around noon, the teams arrived, followed by referees. Student coordinator Hugor Mbayo represented the students, while Registrar Fabrice Dilukila Fukiau represented the academic staff.
Once preparations were complete, the coordinator gave opening remarks and, with the Registrar’s approval, declared the tournament open.
Everyone is eager to discover what surprises the tournament will bring.
A match between generations…
The opening match pitted Preparatory A against University staff. Would experience or youthful energy prevail?
It was a very close match.
In the opening minutes, staff deliberately allowed their opponents possession. Was this their chosen tactic?
In the 10th minute, after excellent play down the left wing, Héritier Wabanza used his pace to enter the penalty area and was fouled. The referee awarded a penalty. Delphin, nicknamed Maestro, scored with the inside of his right foot: 1–0.
Ten minutes later, staff captain Trésor beat goalkeeper Brave to equalise: 1–1.
Preparatory A regained control and the unpredictable Héritier Wabanza, nicknamed Héritier Wata, scored again: 2–1.
Shortly afterwards, Assani converted a penalty for staff: 2–2.
Preparatory A appeared unsettled and conceded another penalty before half-time. Didier scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The referee sent the teams into the break level. The score remained unchanged after the restart until the final quarter-hour, when
the elusive Héritier Wabanza scored again: 3–2.
Their joy was short-lived: in stoppage time, another well-placed penalty denied them victory.
Final score: 3–3. An unforgettable match that promises an exciting tournament.
Rivalry within rivalry.
Later that afternoon, first-year Engineering faced first-year Economics. The new faculty gave aspiring engineers a chance to test themselves, with Bel Ramazani involved in the second encounter.
Man of the match Héritier Wabanza provisionally shares the top-scorer spot with Nathan Kabasele, both on two goals.
Bel RAM’S Joy WIMBA & Hubert KAMOSO
(Engineering year 1)
