Construction World September 2015

> MARKETPLACE ENDING ON HIGH NOTE

The fourth edition of the Architectural Futsal Tournament ended on an exciting high with SAOTA taking the top spot from former two-time champions, VIVID Architects.

Corobrik, Hans Grohe and Prominent Paint are sponsors of this competitive yet friendly football league, which allows a maximum of 10 teams per league with five players a side, and five reserves. Tournament organiser, Bruno Lopes of KMH Architects, explained that the event is open to all architectural firms, permitted they have at least one woman per team. However, the limited spaces are quickly snapped up by eager architects looking to compete. Commenting on the formation of the league, Lopes said he was looking to create a platform for fun socialising with a competitive edge. “Football was an automatic choice since it’s the most viewed sport in the world,” said Lopes. “My thought was to name it Futsal after the Brazilian Futsal league, a modified form of soccer placed with five players per side. The only difference is that we play on an outdoor pitch.” The tournament follows a round-robin format with teams playing 15 minutes per half. “It’s a great way for players and supporters to socialise and network with architects from other firms and industry suppliers,” explained Lopes. The teams meet on Fridays at Hellenic Club, Greenpoint in Cape Town for three months of the year. Werner Oelofse, Corobrik’s Architectural Representative, explained that each team contributed R1 500 which went towards the final prize money. “Corobrik came on as sponsors for final event prizes in 2014 and have continued their relationship this year,” explained Oelofse. For the winners, Corobrik sponsored 10 tickets to a Super Rugby match at Newlands, in the Corobrik Suite, as well as funds for a bar tab for the final event day. Corobrik also sponsored one third of the venue fees and energy bars for the Corobrik-hosted game days. “The event attracts architects, friends and family and is a really fun, social event,” said Oelofse. “Although the matches can get very intense and competitive, we are all friends at the end. It really allows archi- tectural firms to socialise and make long-lasting connections while building team spirit.” Kean Pearce of VIVID Architects said the level of competition has increased year-on-year. “As the teams get accustomed to the rules and skills increase, the competition gets stronger,” said Pearce. Echoing Oelofse’s sentiment, Pearce said the friendly competition formed wonderful camaraderie between firms. “It's great to get out of the >

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Pictured at the prize giving are: Back row: Stefan Antoni, Werner Oelofse, Rem Maraga-Tshivhase, Nicholas Jackson, Wade Nelsen, Enslin Joubert, Leigh Daniels, Nicolai Kotze, Chad Brander, Lauren Lottering, Moegamat Sambo, and Theresa Brander. Front row: Thaabe Rambina, Duke Williams, William Neli, Melissa de Freitas, and Phillipe Fouche.

office on a Friday afternoon and compete against people from other practices that are in the same professional field, which would otherwise never happen.” Enslin Joubert from this year’s winning team, SAOTA, agreed that the competition this year was fierce.

VIVID Architects was placed second. Standing: Nic Cloete, Marcus van’t Hof, Brian Cotzee, Werner Oelofse of Corobrik, Ansel Engel, Botha Pretorius, and Kean Pearce. Sitting: Matthew Dasneves, Clare Grindrod, Peter Bruyns, and Nomfundo Dlamini.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 2015

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