4Racing and Kaizer Chiefs joined forces this weekend for a fantastic 4Racing Grooms Soccer Tournament for Gauteng’s horseracing grooms that was a huge success and saw Randjiesfontein’s groom’s emerge elated victors.
The tournament was held at Turffontein Racecourse in recognition of the massive role played by grooms in the horseracing industry and featured grooms teams from Turffontein, Randjiesfontein and Vaal, as well as a 4Racing team.
On a day that will live long in the memory, South Africa’s biggest football club Kaizer Chiefs pulled out all the stops to support the event, painting Turffontein Gold & Black and sponsoring playing kit for all four teams, as well as plenty of Chiefs merchandise as prizes throughout the day.
The grooms were treated like the superstars they are, with the winning teams competing for a prize pool of R20 000 and beaming as they did so adorned in brand new Amakhosi jerseys playing in front of a big, passionate crowd.
Kaizer Chiefs’ delegation was led by Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung, an avid horseracing enthusiast and racehorse owner, while club legends Shane MacGregor, William Shongwe and Derrick Spencer were also on hand to support the teams on the day.
In the first semi-final ‘derby’ Turffontein beat a 4Racing staff team 4-1, with Randjiesfontein too strong for the Vaal grooms in the second semi-final, winning 5-2.
In a pulsating finale, Randjiesfontein came from 2-0 down against Turffontein to equalise with two late goals, and then won the penalty shootout 3-1 to claim the R10 000 winners prize and floating trophy for their day’s efforts.
Turffontein’s grooms won R5 000 for their runners up spot, with the losing semi-finalists splitting the remaining R5 000 prize pot.
“It was a cracker of a day. We’ve always said the lifeblood of our horseracing industry is the grooms and it was important for us to celebrate them. The grooms came out with their fighting and competitive spirit and congratulations to the winners, Randjiesfontein, who prevailed. We are truly grateful to have partnered with Kaizer Chiefs on what was a truly memorable event,” said 4Racing Chief Executive Officer, Fundi Sithebe.
For Motaung, it was a chance to celebrate the club’s supporters in a different light and to support the unsung heroes of the horseracing industry.
“I understand the importance of grooms, their love for horses and the work they do behind the scenes. It was important as a brand to honour them, to give them Chiefs kit and equipment and to give them the opportunity to live out their passion and dreams. This grooms tournament is wonderful for us. These are our supporters, people who are passionate about the game. This is a way of allowing them to showcase their love for the game and for the club, and it’s wonderful to see the work that they are doing,” said Motaung.
“Chiefs is an institution loved by so many families in all parts of the country. Tapping into different avenues, like the club has done in supporting the grooms tournament, is very important. For the grooms, getting the opportunity to play in the football kit of Kaizer Chiefs - and being treated like stars - is a beautiful moment they will never forget,” said Chiefs goalkeeping legend Shongwe. - 4Racing