SAOTA claims top spot in 2019 Architectural Futsal League

SAOTA Architecture and Design won the eight annual Architectural Futsal League.

The league was established by architect, Bruno Lopes, eight years ago. This year’s league welcomed 11 teams, including SAOTA Architecture and Design, DHK, KMH Architecture and Interior Design, MLH Architects & Planners, Craft of Architecture, Steyn Le Roux Truter Architects, Wolff Architects, Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers, Jacobs Parker Architecture & Interior Design, Louis Karol Architects and SSH. Joining the league was a ‘12th sponsor team’ made up of players from the event sponsors.

“This event provides regional architects and those in the construction industry with a fantastic opportunity to engage outside of the work space, which is really beneficial for long-term business relations,” explained Werner Oelofse, Corobrik business development officer for the Western Cape. Corobrik, alongside Hans Grohe and Duravit, were event sponsors.

The league began in February of this year, with five-a-side games taking place every Friday afternoon. The semi-finals were held on 24 May with third place going to Louis Karol after beating Jakupa 3-1. The hotly-contested final game between SAOTA and DHK on 31 May saw SAOTA clinch the win in the final two minutes of the game, finishing 5-4.

“The event attracts, not only architects and industry members, but also friends and family as spectators, making this a really fun, social league,” said Oelofse. “While some of the matches do get very intense – as can be expected from such high-performing professionals - we are all friends at the end of the game, and this is really a fantastic way for architectural firms to socialise with other firms while building team spirit.”