IDM Soccer Tournament
It was a full year at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) in 2019. The latter part of the calendar included a visit from the International Scientific Advisory Committee, a successful Postgraduate Student Publication Award Ceremony, the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and the Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa hosting a World Aids Day exhibition-cum-Coffee Club. And as if that wasn’t enough – the Wolfson Pavilion Foyer was being renovated.
Still, the annual IDM Soccer Tournament took place on the outside lawn on Friday the 13th December. The tournament was a success with eight competing teams consisting of about 60 players all-in-all. There was also a bunch of supporters from the IDM community coming to enjoy the games, which consisted of group stages followed by the semi-finals. This allowed each of the teams to play in multiple matches.
With it being such a busy time of year, some teams were slow to arrive on the day – but this did not dampen spirits. Instead teams were adaptable, happy to adjust the schedule so that those present could start playing and reduce the number of forfeited matches.
A contest of skill between the Blackburn Rovers and ICGEB
We had continuous soccer games, about 10 minutes each, from 09:40 – 12:00. This was followed by a lunch break allowing participants to grab some fruit and drinks provided by the IDM or go to mosque.
An hour later players were refreshed and ready to get back on the field for the final group stage game which saw the Blackburn Rovers, ICGEB, SATVI Stars and Synaptic Strikerz make it through to the semi-finals. SATVI defeated Blackburn Rovers and Synaptic Strikerz overcame ICGEB to secure their place in the finals. Referees Mumin Ozturk and Raymond Moseki were under pressure to keep their eyes on the games together with some of the other players who volunteered to also play “ref”.
The Blackburn Rovers, with the help of young Daniel Blackburn – the Prof’s son, beat ICGEB to claim 3rd place – giving the finalists a chance to rest. The final saw SATVI Stars and Synaptic Strikerz contending in a fantastic game which culminated in SATVI Stars claiming the Trophy and a R1 000 voucher to spend on a team meal or activity. SATVI Stars also won best supporters (R500) and Synaptic Strikerz claiming 2nd Place and Best Dressed (R500 each).
SATVI Stars celebrate their trophy with IDM Director, Prof. Val Mizrahi