Govt Official Advocates for Continuation of Futsal Tournament

Luanda: Secretary of State for Sport Paulo Madeira on Saturday called for the continuation of the International Futsal Friendship Tournament (TAF), describing it as a high-quality competition and an example for other sporting disciplines. According to Angola Press News Agency, the official was speaking to the press at the end of the 13th edition of the tournament. This event was held at the Osvaldo de Jesus Serra Van-Dúnem Multi-Purpose Pavilion since 8 August, featuring 32 teams from Angola, Brazil, and Luxembourg. The competition categories included super-veterans, workers', women's senior, and men's senior. Paulo Madeira noted his long-standing support for the TAF, a privately organised initiative, since its inception in Benguela Province. He highlighted its exemplary role in national sports, with organisers turning events into engaging products for supporters, sponsors, and clubs. He emphasized that all matches in the 13th edition were celebratory occasions, especially the semi-finals and finals, which brought satisfaction to all involved. Madeira stressed the importance of supporting the TAF to maintain its international appeal. In addition, he urged the local community to participate in the upcoming 14th edition of the National School Games in Huambo city, underscoring the region's strong sporting tradition. The 13th edition of the TAF saw Clínica Sagrada Esperança from Luanda triumph in the women's senior category with a 2-1 victory over Brazil Sport Academy. Esplendor do Huambo claimed the men's title by defeating Dourado do Namibe 3-1. In the super-veterans category, Velha Guarda da Lunda-Norte won after a penalty shootout against Palácio da Huíla, while 29 de Novembro of Cuanza-Sul secured the workers' category title with a 2-1 win over MINEA of Luanda.