ANNUAL FOOTBALL POO TON 'POLICE CUP' 2 WEEK FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT!
From Saturday 28 September until Sunday 13th October @ Thong Sala Police Station
Performers organised by Jungle Experience were some of the first to arrive for the Koh Phangan Police Football Cup Opening Ceremony, with Queen Luana & AiA bearing childrens gifts and Brahms Drum Jam and Asto Na Pai providing the live entertainment! They chatted with Koh Phangan's new Chief of Police, Khun Mot, in front of Thong Sala police station, before he made his opening speeches to the public on Saturday 28th September.
28 local teams lined up on parade for the Opening Ceremony at the start of two weeks of matches, with the finals and Closing Ceremony due on Sunday 13 October!
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OPENING DAY - POLICE v CHALOKLAM 3 - 0
The Big Bike Parade 'Ride to the Moon' bikers were out in force, and we heard the roar of their engines as they entered the pitch and did a lap of honour in ordered precision. "My Team", proclaimed Khun Mot, as they assembled for a group shot with their Police Chief, who also likes to ride!
Then it was heads to the sky for an air show of remote control aircraft and helicopters dropping 20 bahts for the children! We were soon wowed by a Paramotor flyover appearing on the horizon, with two parachutists flying in to hand over the opening football to Khun Mot!
An Opening Ceremony Spectacular - like a Koh Phangan James Bond!!
The captivating whiring dervish Flame Dancer, dressed as a silver winged-goddess, then enraptured the gathering crowd in front of the police station by eating fire to the rhythm of Asto Na PaI live band!
And then it was down to the football!
Haad Rin Juniors did a brilliant job of holding their own against the Anantara Seniors, going nil-nil until ten minutes before the end of the game when Anantara scored. Under pressure but with a donation of 5000bt from Haad Rin matriarch Mae Chawee if they scored, Tamagot Haad Rin took a blinding free kick, cleared a complete team of defense and landed the ball straight in the back of the net for a brilliant late match equaliser!
Then the police took over the pitch against Chaloklam, going 3 - 0 by the closing whistle!
Power Beach vs FC Farang 0 - 0
Haad Rin vs Anatara/Rasananda 1 -1
Police vs Chaloklum 3 - 0
Jungle FC's next game is 4pm Wednesday 2nd October, with games going on everyday up to and including the finals and Closing Ceremony on Sunday 13th October.
Everyone one is welcome at the Police Cup, so come to Thong Sala Police Station and watch the football!
See you there!
By Mia Escobud