THE WORLD CUP came early last weekend, with a multi-nationality soccer tournament staged by the Africa Centre in Dublin.
Twenty five-a-side teams turned out at Bushy Park in Terenure for the Mini World Cup Tourament, with ‘Spain’ – comprising Irish players led by Derek and Mark Kavanagh – winning out.
“It went very well,” said Eric Yao of the Africa Centre. “And I’ve received e-mails this morning urging us to have more.”
Of the winners, Yao said: “I must say there were good. Very good. They aren’t professionals, but they were guys who were organised properly.”
Yao said different nationalities easily mixed on the day, with music and food also available.
Among the tournament’s backers were the embassies of South Africa, Nigeria and Ethiopia, the FAI, Sport Against Racism Ireland (Sari), Fyffes, Tesco and Moneygram.
The real deal kicks off on 11 June, when hosts South Africa take on Mexico in Johannesburg.
