Author: sipongco

Mamelodi Sundowns’ u14 and u16 ladies’ teams made history on the weekend by securing the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) titles without a single defeat, having played a total of 24 matches each in the GWDL’s 2024 season.

They concluded their season’s playing commitments at Panorama FC, where their supporters watched them receive the champions’ trophies

In the inaugural season of the GWDL, 2023, the competition was played in the u15 age group. This season it was expanded and changed to the u14 and u16 age groups, but the outcomes were the same, with Sundowns going unbeaten through both campaigns to match their unbeaten 2023 season.

Sundowns’ u14 side scored 22 wins and were held to only two draws. They enjoyed an astonishing positive goal difference of 94 after netting 99 times while conceding just five goals. They finished the season with 68 points, only four shy of the maximum possible, and were 12 points clear of the runner-up, JVW FC.

The u16 Sundowns’ team scored one more win than their u14 counterparts, accruing 70 points from 23 victories and a single draw against JVW. They scored 83 times and gave up only six goals.

In the final fixtures of the season at Panorama, the Sundowns u14 team faced Tornado Ladies FC, intent on keeping their undefeated record intact. As anticipated, the Brazilians delivered a champion’s performance, winning the game 2-0.

The u16 side completed their campaign with a 1-0 win over Highlands Park. It was a season to forget for The Lions of the North. After finishing in the top four in 2023, they wound up bottom of the standings in 2024.

In another thrilling GWDL clash, JVW and Remember Elite Sport Academy (Resa), delivered an exciting 2-2 draw. Chantel Chambala, of JVW, scored two goals, while Thuto Rathebe and Kearebetswe Mainama netted for Resa, who fell 1-2 to Kenneth FC in their other game on the weekend. JVW outplayed Edenvale in their second outing, winning 4-0.

Refilwe FC experienced mixed results. They suffered a 0-2 defeat to the hosts, Panorama FC, but ended their season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Origin FC.

Panorama also beat Origin, cruising to a 4-0 victory, but fell to Kenneth in their third game, losing 1-2.

U14 Results

Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Tornado Ladies FC

U16 Results

JVW FC 2-2 Remember Elite Sport Academy
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Highlands Park FC
Panorama FC 2-0 Refilwe FC
Refilwe FC 3-0 Origin FC
JVW 4-0 Edenvale
Kenneth FC 2-1 Remember Elite Sport Academy
Kenneth FC 2-1 Panorama FC
Panorama 4-0 Origin FC
Panorama FC 2-0 Refilwe FC

u14 GWDL final log table 

Club	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Mamelodi Sundowns	24	23	1	0	83	6	77	70
Tuks	24	18	2	4	50	18	32	56
Panorama FC	24	16	5	3	52	14	38	53
RESA	24	16	2	6	41	17	24	50
JVW FC	24	12	6	6	29	18	11	42
Refilwe FC	24	12	2	10	40	26	14	38
Kempton Park FC	24	9	7	8	24	22	2	34
Origin FC	24	9	4	11	26	35	-9	31
Edenvale FC	24	9	0	15	23	73	-53	27
Tornado Ladies	24	6	5	13	17	32	-15	23
Kenneth FC	24	3	5	16	8	46	-38	14
Highlands Park	24	0	4	20	0	40	-40	4

u16 GWDL final log table 

Club	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Mamelodi Sundowns	24	22	2	0	99	5	94	68
JVW FC	24	17	5	2	73	15	58	56
Tuks	24	17	3	4	47	14	33	54
RESA	24	16	2	6	55	21	34	50
Panorama FC	24	13	4	7	44	21	23	43
Kempton Park FC	24	10	4	10	37	33	4	34
Highlands Park FC	24	9	4	11	33	40	-7	31
Tornado FC	24	9	4	11	24	38	-14	31
Kenneth FC	24	8	4	12	29	38	-9	28
Refilwe FC	24	5	5	14	14	50	-36	20
Origin FC	24	4	4	16	16	49	-33	16
Edenvale FC	24	5	1	18	17	93	-76	16

 

The champions of the Siyabonga Nomvethe Schools Cup were crowned on Saturday in Durban

In the u19 division of the competition, which featured teams from KwaZulu-Natal, the winners, Edendale Technical High School received a prize of R20 000, gold medals, and a new soccer kit, while the runners-up, Mningi High School, received silver medals and a soccer kit.

The final went to a penalty shootout after the teams played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Edendale, then, triumphed 5-3 from the spot.

There was some consolation for Mningi when their Simangaliso Mbuyazi claimed the top goal scorer award and was also named the player of the tournament. Edendale’s Luyanda Zulu, aged 16, received recognition as the youngest player.

The tournament was broadcast live by SuperSport Schools on the SuperSport Schools App and online.

Siyabonga Nomvethe, who played professionally from 1997 to 2020 and earned 81 caps for South Africa, said the tournament is a collaborative effort involving the Siyabonga Nomvethe Foundation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, and the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC).

Thami Mchunu, the President of the KwaZulu-Natal Sports Confederation, attended the final at the Hoy Park Sports Complex and, in a press statement, said: “I hope this tournament will change many lives. I want to see another Nomvethe emerge from KZN.”

Nomvethe, the Tournament Director, whose club career included stints with, among others, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and AmaZulu, as well as Italian teams Udinese, Salernitana, and Empoli, emphasised his commitment to identifying and nurturing emerging talent through the Siyabonga Nomvethe Foundation. He said the initiative was designed to foster youth development and contribute positively to the KwaZulu Natal community.

“I know for sure another Nomvethe will come from this tournament. I can attest that the talent is big here,” he told the schools at the awards ceremony.

“I played in Italy, Sweden, and Denmark. You can do the same, and you have what it takes to follow in my footsteps.”

He encouraged corporate sponsors to support the tournament’s growth and expansion., saying: “I would like to see sponsors come on board to back us up because we have started growing in KZN and we want to go nationwide.”

Nomvethe ended by saying it had been a family effort putting the event together. “I want to thank my family for working together – my two children, my wife, and my sisters, as well as family friends – who supported this tournament. Working together made it successful.”

The South African boys’ and girls’ u15 teams were both crowned the champions of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) African Schools Football Championship (ASFC) | Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) qualifiers in Walvis Bay, Namibia on Sunday.

After winning the titles in 2022 and 2023, it was a milestone third championship title for the South Africans in succession.

The South African boys’ team was pushed to its limits by a very determined Zambia in the final. The Zambians had arrived late for the tournament and missed their opening game against Lesotho, but they made a remarkable comeback by winning their other pool matches to secure a place against South Africa in the title decider.

In a must-win match on Saturday, Zambia produced a superb performance to beat Malawi 3-0. Then, in the semi-finals, on Sunday, they continued their winning ways with a 1-0 win over Eswatini.

In the gold medal clash against South Africa, the Zambians struck first, but South Africa levelled to send the contest to a penalty shootout. There, the South Africans clinched the title by a 4-2 margin from the spot. With the win, they also qualified for the continental finals of the Caf African Schools Football Championship (ASFC).

There was further success for South Africa in the girls’ final, with the Rainbow Nation claiming a 3-1 win over Malawi. That victory maintained a 100 percent record in the competition for both the South African boys’ and girls’ teams over the past three years. Earlier this year, the South African girls’ team was also crowned the continental champion of the Caf African Schools Football Championship in Zanzibar.

At next year’s Caf African Schools Football Championship, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region will be represented by South Africa’s boys’ and girls’ teams and the Malawian girls’ side.

South Africa’s Leonay Kock was prolific in front of goal, scoring 11 times in only five matches, which earned her the Player of the Tournament Award. Her tally included a brace in the final.

Another South African, Mia Heneke, won the Golden Glove Award for the best goalkeeper, while the Malawi girls’ team took home the Fair Play Award.

The South African boys’ team won the Fair Play Award, while Zambia’s Tenani Simfukwe was named the Player of the Tournament, and Malawi’s Okester Kanyenda claimed the Golden Boot after scoring four goals. William Zulu, of Zambia, received the Golden Glove.

Dr Danny Jordaan, the President of the South African Football Association (Safa), who is in Congo-Brazzaville with Bafana Bafana, ahead of South Africa’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday, said the continued success of the two u15 teams is central to the future of the country’s women’s and men’s football.

“It was pleasing, and it was a wonderful outcome of the schools’ competition,” Jordaan enthused. “Schools remain the basic basis of all of our teams. We start there, in the schools.

“After Caf, together with [its] President Dr Patrice Motsepe, launched the Caf African Schools’ competition, South Africa went on to win annual tournaments. We are now, again, the defending champions as we go to this competition.

“In Zanzibar, we defeated Morocco in the final and our boys lost in the semifinals, but they qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Now, both teams are again Cosafa champions and have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for schools. It is a wonderful achievement for the country, and it is confirmation that, when we started Revision 2020, we had to consolidate schools.

“The problem in the past was that we did not have a unified school structure because you have the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, the Department of Basic Education, and then Safa.

Fortunately, that has now been resolved and the three parties are working well together, and we have an agreement. The result of that is the success from Namibia where the girls’ team cleaned every single team. The boys also won every match.”

Jordaan said plans are underway to ensure that the junior national teams remain active, playing international opposition regularly, and working with a greater proximity to Bafana Bafana.

The South African boys’ and girls’ teams excelled on the first day of the CAF African Schools Football Championship | Cosafa qualifiers, collectively netting a total of 24 goals, with the girls’ team contributing a whopping 20 of those in Walvis Bay, Namibia, on Friday.

The defending champions, chasing a third consecutive CAF African Schools Football Championship | Cosafa qualifiers title, not only delivered exceptional attacking performances but both the boys’ and girls’ sides kept clean sheets.

South Africa opened their Group B challenge in the girls’ competition with a pair of thumping wins, crushing Zimbabwe 7-0 before overwhelming Angola 13-0.

That result was one goal shy of the competition record victory they achieved against the same opposition in Harare last year.

Although they have not yet completed their group assignments, the South African girls have already secured a place in the semi-finals.

The South African boys’ team scored a hard-fought 1-0 win over Zimbabwe in their opener and followed that up with a 3-0 victory over Angola in their second outing, which means that they, too, are through to the final four.

Both South African teams are top of their groups after the first day of action. Their group opponents include Zimbabwe, Angola, and Eswatini.

Group A features Namibia, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zambia.

RESULTS

Boys’ Competition

Group A

Namibia 0-5 Malawi
Zambia 0-3 Lesotho*
Namibia 0-1 Zambia
Malawi 4-0 Lesotho

Group B

South Africa 1-0 Zimbabwe
Angola 1-1 Eswatini
South Africa 3-0 Angola

* Lesotho awarded a 3-0 walkover as Zambia was not present.

Girls’ Competition

Group A

Namibia 2-2 Malawi
Zambia 0-3 Lesotho*
Namibia 3-0 Zambia*
Malawi 5-0 Lesotho

Group B

South Africa 7-0 Zimbabwe
Angola 0-5 Eswatini
South Africa 13-0 Angola

* Lesotho and Namibia awarded 3-0 walkovers as Zambia was not present.

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA League finals are set to be hosted at Michael Mount Waldorf School in Bryanston, Johannesburg, on Sunday, 13 October.

They will conclude this year’s Jr. NBA/WNBA Leagues in South Africa, following the recent completion of the Royal Bafokeng Sports Jr. NBA/WNBA finals in Phokeng, Rustenburg, in September, and Jr. NBA/WNBA tournaments that were hosted in Cape Town and KwaZulu Natal in August.

The final of the Johannesburg regional league will feature the boys’ and girls’ champions from both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

The Eastern Conference incorporates the Ekurhuleni Municipality, which includes Benoni, Boksburg, Kempton Park, Germiston, and Brakpan. Sandton, Bryanston, Randburg, Rivonia, and Midrand make up the Western Conference.

Before the finals, an All-Star game for both boys and girls will take place. In all, 300 participants will be in action on Sunday.

The event will conclude with an awards ceremony at 13:00.

Fixtures 

09:00 – All Star Game Girls – Western Conference vs Eastern Conference
09:55 – All Star Game Boys – Western Conference vs Eastern Conference
10:15 – Girls’ Final – Sandton Hornets vs Kagiso Basketball Club
11:15 – Boys’ Final – St Stithians College vs Soweto Basketball Academy
13:00 – Awards Ceremony

Royal Bafokeng Sports Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Champions crowned

The Royal Bafokeng Finals resumed last weekend after adverse weather conditions in Phokeng on 21 September necessitated the rescheduling of the u16 and u18 finals.

In the u16 girls’ final, Tshukudu defeated Molotlegi Primary School 19-12, while the boys’ final witnessed Matale decisively defeat Thethe 45-21.

The much-anticipated u18 girls’ final was a closely contested affair, with both Kitsong School and H.F Tlou Secondary competing fiercely until the final moments. In the end, Kitsong claimed a 38-30 victory to go back-to-back as champions.

Their standout player, Reatlegile Taukobong, who recently led Team South Africa at the u18 FIBA AfroBasket Tournament in Pretoria, was honored as the Queen of the Season MVP for the u18 girls’ division, with her exceptional skills and determination being recognised.

In the u18 boys’ final, Mmamape dominated Matale, racing to a 45-2 win. Onalena Nakedi, of Mmamape, was named the MVP for his remarkable dedication and talent.

Five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, along with scouts from across South Africa, including the coaching team from Walter Sisulu University, gave the event a big boost by attending it on Saturday, 21 September.

It was preceded by an awards ceremony on the Friday to honour the outstanding youth participants in the programme, and to also recognise their academic and national accomplishments, which included the recognition of coaches and the alumni of the Jr. NBA Africa.

During a live interview conducted in a question-and-answer format, Ron Harper shared insights about his early journey in the game. He underscored the importance of dedication and collaboration in the sport, and he recounted his experiences playing under the esteemed coach Phil Jackson, both with the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Harper emphasised the importance of enhancing the performance of teammates and acknowledged the transformation of basketball into a high-scoring, athletic sport. In closing, he conveyed a positive outlook for the future of basketball in Africa, suggesting that African players have the potential to emerge as elite talents in the NBA.

The awards ceremony also featured a series of videos, which highlighted the advancements of the Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA and illustrated its journey from 2011 to today.

The eagerly awaited Mitchells Plain Youth Cup (MPYC) is set to unite the community for a dynamic two-day football event, taking place on 12 and 13 October at the Lentegeur Sports Field.

Sixteen local teams will challenge for the title, while the venue will also present small businesses with opportunities to promote and expand their brands.

The event has drawn significant backing from the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Government, Comtel, Albany Peninsula Beverages, MTN, Liberty Promenade, Elements Garden, and Tygerburger. Watergate Shopping Centre, meanwhile, has sponsored a prestigious award, which will be presented to the winning team at a grand ceremony after the completion of the football competition.

The Mitchells Plain Local Football Association and South African Football Association Cape Town have also sanctioned the Youth Cup.

Tournament Director, Councillor Avron Plaatjies, said he was excited about the impact the event will have on the community: “The Mitchells Plain Youth Cup is more than just a football tournament,” he explained. “It’s about uniting our community, providing opportunities for our youth, and fostering a sense of pride and ownership in revitalising Lentegeur Sports Field.”

Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, echoed that sentiment, saying: “We are incredibly proud to support an event that brings people together while also creating opportunities for local businesses. The Mitchells Plain Youth Cup is proof that sports can be a powerful driver of social and economic growth.”

Plaatjies said an invitation to the event went beyond football enthusiasts to encompass the entire Cape Town community, and he encouraged the community’s participation in a weekend brimming with exhilarating matches, delicious cuisine, and local culture.

“Together, we will support the youth of Mitchells Plain and honour the essence of community,” he said. “Let us unite to create history by rejuvenating Lentegeur Sports Field, and empowering our young people and entrepreneurs.”

12 October Saturday Fixtures

09:00. Field A: Lentegeur FC vs Strandfontein FC
09:00. Field B: Beacon City FC vs Barcelona FC
09:00. Field C: Beacon Spurs FC vs Stanturf FC
10:00. Field A: Rockafellas FC vs Milano United
10:00. Field B: Red Rovers FC vs New Foresters
10:00. Field C: Kenpark FC vs Bayhill United FC
11:00. Field A: FC Tafelzucht vs Westridge FC
11:00. Field B: Ikapa Sporting FC vs Bayview FC
11:00. Field C: Stanturf FC vs Barcelona FC

12:00: Break for opening of the tournament

13:00. Field A: Beacon Spurs FC vs Beacon City FC
13:00. Field B: Strandfontein FC vs Bayhill United FC
13:00. Field C: Lentegeur FC vs Kenpark FC
14:00. Field A: New Foresters FC vs Milano United
14:00. Field B: New Rovers FC vs Rockafellas FC
14:00. Field C: Westridge FC vs Bayview FC
15:00. Field A: FC Tafelzucht vs Ikapa Sporting FC
15:00. Field B: Barcelona FC vs Beacon Spurs FC
15:00. Field C: Stanturf FC vs Beacon City FC
16:00. Field A: Bayhill United FC vs Lentegeur FC
16:00. Field B: Stranfontein FC vs Kenpark FC
16:00. Field C: Milano United vs Red Rovers FC
17:00. Field A: New Foresters FC vs Rockafellas FC
17:00. Field B: Bayview FC vs FC Tafelzucht
17:00. Field C: Westridge FC vs Ikapa Sporting FC

Sunday, 13 October Fixtures 

Plate Quarterfinals

09:00. Field A: 3rd Place Group A vs 4th Place Group D
09:00. Field B: 3rd Place Group B vs 4th Place Group C
09:00. Field C: 3rd Place Group C vs 4th Place Group B
09:00. Field A: 3rd Place Group D vs 4th Place Group A

Winner Quarterfinals 

10:00: Field B: Winner Group A vs Runners up Group D
10:00. Field C: Winner Group B vs Runners up Group C
10:00. Field B: Winner Group C vs Runners up Group B
10:00. Field C: Winner Group D vs Runners up Group A

Plate Semi-finals 

11:00. Field B: Winner match 25 vs Winner match 26
11:00. Field C: Winner match 27 vs Winner match 28

Winners Semi-finals

12:00. Field B: Winner match 29 vs Winner match 30
12:00. Field C: Winner match 31 vs Winner match 32

Plate Final

13:00. Field A: Winner match 33 vs Winner match 34

Note: Friendly Game: To be announced.

Winners Final

15:00. Field A: Winner match 35 vs Winner match 36

The CAF African Schools Football Championship | COSAFA Qualifier for the 2024/25 season kicks off in Walvis Bay, Namibia, on Friday, 11 October.

A total of eight teams, comprising both boys and girls from the Southern African region, will compete for a coveted spot in the continental finals of the CAF African Schools Football Championship.

Since taking office as the President of CAF, Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the Motsepe Foundation have made substantial contributions to the tournament, now entering its third edition, with significant investments in its development.

“Schools football is at the heart of the long-term development and growth of African football,” Motsepe said.

“One of the best investments that we can make to ensure that African football is amongst the best in the world is to invest in schools’ football and football infrastructure for boys and girls at school, amateur and professional level.”

This year marks the third edition of the U15 regional qualifiers, following the events held in Malawi in 2022 and Zimbabwe in 2023, both of which were won by South Africa, in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions. Team South Africa is therefore aiming for a historic three-peat in the regional qualifiers.

The South African girls’ team was awarded the title of continental champions for the 2023/24 season earlier this year. Under the guidance of coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo, the team defeated Morocco in a penalty shootout, winning 5-4 following a 1-1 draw after regular time at the Amaan Stadium in Tanzania, which was filled to capacity.

South Africa’s girls’ team will be competing without Katlego Malebana, who previously led them to victory. Malebana, a remarkable young talent, was instrumental in South Africa’s victory at the CAF African Schools Football Championship held in Tanzania. She also earned the title of Player of the Tournament during the CAF African Schools Football Championship | COSAFA Qualifier in Zimbabwe last year.

Her talents have been recognized, as she was awarded the GSport4girls School Sport Star of the Year in September. She was also added to the Tuks senior team for the remainder of the 2024 Hollywoodbets Super League season.

While her absence will be keenly felt by Team South Africa, the inclusion of Akhona Simamane, who plays for Lindelani Ladies FC in the top tier of South African women’s football, along with Nomfundo Nzuza, who was also part of the gold medal-winning team, will enhance the already impressive line-up of Team South Africa.

Both South Africa’s boys’ and girls’ teams have been placed in Group B, where they will be competing against Zimbabwe, Angola and Eswatini. The hosts, Namibia, are grouped with Malawi, Zambia and Lesotho in Group A

The second edition of the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) is concluding this weekend, with the final matches scheduled for Sunday, 13 October, at Panorama FC in Roodepoort.

It brings the curtain down on a year filled with competitive and entertaining football, providing fans in the Gauteng province with memorable experiences.

A particularly noteworthy event in the GWDL took place on 11 August, when SAFA Gauteng, in collaboration with SuperSport Schools, made the GWDL games accessible to all fans through live-streaming on the SuperSport Schools App and DStv Channel 216. This event coincided with the celebration of Women’s Month.

The day sparked a vibrant atmosphere in Vereeniging, where a significant number of spectators gathered to support the teams. It was a moment of pride not only for the parents and fans but also for the players, who demonstrated their dedication on the field. Ultimately, women’s football won, as the day concluded with smiles all around, following a successful event hosted by the Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) at their home venue in President Park, Vereeniging.

Another highlight of the GWDL took place in March when the season commenced with a pre-season tournament held at Panorama. On a hot day that unexpectedly concluded with showers, Mamelodi Sundowns triumphed in the inaugural GWDL Top 8 by defeating their close rivals, JVW FC, who are recognised for providing a formidable challenge to the Brazilian ladies in both league matches and cup competitions.

The season, however, offers more than mere memorable moments, as it continues to demonstrate growth and potential. We have witnessed exceptionally young players, some as young as 10 and 11, competing alongside 15 and 16-year-olds. One such remarkable talent is Unathi Ndlovu, the Sundowns goalkeeper, who also made her debut in the Engen Champs of Champs last month and contributed significantly to her team’s victory in the tournament.

As we approach the final match of the GWDL on Sunday, Mamelodi Sundowns look set to be honoured as the champions of both the U14 and U16 divisions for the 2024 season. In the U16 category, Sundowns are currently on 65 points, while the second-placed Tuks have 54, establishing Sundowns as clear frontrunners for the league title.

In the U14 GWDL, Sundowns’ ladies also enjoy a huge point difference with only one match remaining, against Tornado FC on Sunday. Sundowns are on the verge of being crowned champions as they lead the standings by 11 points, with Tuks occupying the second position with 56 points.

Both the U14 and U16 teams of Mamelodi Sundowns have enjoyed an exceptional season, as they remain undefeated in the GWDL across both categories. In addition, Sundowns will be defending their title, having secured the inaugural GWDL championship, which featured only the U15 division in 2023.

GWDL U14 Fixtures 

11:45. Field 2: Tornado vs Mamelodi Sundowns

GWDL U16 Fixtures

09:00. Field 1: Kenneth FC vs Panorama FC
09:00. Field 2: FC Origin vs Refilwe FC
10:30. Field 1: JVW FC vs Edenvale FC
10:30. Field 2: RESA vs Kenneth FC
11:45. Field 1: Panorama FC vs FC Origin
12:45. Field 1: Refilwe FC vs Panorama FC
12:45. Field2: JVW FC vs RESA
13:45. Field 1: Kenneth FC vs FC Origin
13:45. Field 2: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Highlands Park

U16 Current Log Table 

Club	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
Mamelodi Sundowns	23	21	2	0	98	5	93	65
Tuks	24	17	3	4	47	14	33	54
JVW FC	22	16	4	2	67	13	54	52
RESA	21	15	1	5	50	17	33	46
Panorama FC	21	11	4	6	38	19	19	37
Kempton Park FC	24	10	4	10	37	33	4	34
Highlands Park FC	23	9	4	10	33	39	-6	31
Tornado FC	24	9	4	11	24	38	-14	31
Refilwe FC	22	5	5	12	14	44	-30	20
Kenneth FC	21	5	4	12	21	36	-15	19
Football Origin	22	4	4	14	16	44	-28	16
Edenvale	23	5	1	17	17	89	-72	16

U14 Current Log Table 

Club	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
Mamelodi Sundowns	23	22	1	0	81	6	75	67
Tuks	24	18	2	4	50	18	32	56
Panorama FC	24	16	5	3	52	14	38	53
RESA	24	16	2	6	41	17	24	50
JVW FC	24	12	6	6	29	18	11	42
Refilwe FC	24	12	2	10	40	26	14	38
Kempton Park FC	24	9	7	8	24	22	2	34
Origin FC	23	9	4	10	26	33	-7	31
Edenvale FC	23	8	0	15	21	76	-55	24
Tornado FC	23	6	5	12	17	30	-13	23
Kenneth FC	24	3	5	16	8	46	-38	14
Highlands Park FC	24	0	3	21	0	43	-43	3

In an exclusive interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, head coach, Raymond Mdaka, discussed the recent victory of his South African u20 National Team (Amajita) at the Cosafa Championship in Mozambique.

The team secured a berth in the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, having reached the finals of the Cosafa Championship, where they will be joined by Zambia to represent the SADC region.

Mdaka attributed the team’s success to the mindset of the players; the governing body of South African football, SAFA, and the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS). The latter initiative, in collaboration with SAFA, aims to enhance youth football development in South Africa by organising regular school-based tournaments and training camps to foster the growth of football in the country.

Mdaka further expressed his optimism regarding the future of South African football, highlighting the necessity for strategic planning and ongoing development within the sport. He also noted the challenges associated with nurturing young talent, underscoring the importance of shielding them from public scrutiny due to their youth, as well as the critical role of development programs.

Speaking specifically about winning a ninth Cosafa title for South Africa, Mdaka suggested that it was an indication of football in South Africa having taken a step up to the next level.

“I would like to thank the the players, as well as the technical and support staff,” he said, adding that the most important aspect is preparation.

“We had our first camp in March, where we had a bigger pool of players, and our second camp ahead of the match against Lesotho. All those camps were in preparation of the Cosafa Cup, and, together with the friendly game against Lesotho, hugely beneficial in terms of balancing the team and playing pattern.”

During the tournament Amajita exhibited a fantastically balanced approach, scoring a remarkable 16 goals while keeping the door shut as they did not concede a single goal.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the number of goals we scored; you could sense the hunger to score,” Mdaka said. “Looking at the game against Zambia and the chances that we created, we could have actually scored more goals.

“The important thing is, when we were in possession of the ball, we were in possession with a purpose, not just for the sake of keeping possession.

“Defence is just as important, though, and I’m immensely proud of how well we defended. As a coach, that brings the stress level down and you can relax a bit.”

However, everything was not smooth sailing and there were times when the young boys had their character tested, when they had to come through as a unit even when the goals were not necessarily coming. Commenting on those difficult situations when the opposition was frustrating his team, Mdaka said the most important thing was to remain focused, as well as to allow the young boys to make mistakes but rectify them, to remain calm at all times and not lose momentum.

This team comprised a youthful but very talented group of players, which is reflected in the results and ultimately the title that they brought home. According to Mdaka it is fantastic to have such a huge pool of talent to choose from, describing it as a positive headache.

“Not knowing who to pick is always better than not having enough to pick from.”

Having clinched the Cosafa Championship, Coach Mdaka is now shifting his focus towards the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The Meridian Northern Academy football team was celebrated and warmly welcomed by the school on Monday, 7 October, during a special assembly held in recognition of their recent success at the Kay Motsepe Schools Soccer Tournament.

The event was graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including Cobus Loubser (CEO of Curro Holdings), Funani Maseko (Limpopo MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture), and Dr. Pitso Mosimane, the highly decorated South African coach of, among others, Bafana Bafana, SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Egyptian giants, Al Ahly.

On Saturday, 28 September, the u19 boys’ team from Polowane’s Meridian Northern Academy triumphed in the Kay Motsepe Schools Soccer Tournament, a prestigious national tournament featuring over 13 000 teams from more than 5 000 schools.

The tournament has seen the likes of former Bafana Bafana star Hlompo Kekana participating in it. Kekana went on to have an outstanding career as captain of the Mamelodi Sundowns during which they won six Premier League titles, the Caf Champions League, and the Caf Super Cup.

Cobus Loubser commended both the u19 and u13 boys’ teams, the latter of which secured a bronze medal in the tournament, which was sponsored by Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation.

Loubser described the school’s achievement as one of the greatest feats of all of the Curro Group’s sports teams in its 25-year history.

“Curro’s mission is to offer exceptional opportunities to many more learners in every aspect of life,” Loubser said.

“Our task is to nurture and support learners to reach their potential, to inspire, motivate, and guide them to excellence in whatever they do. Champions often inspire us to strive for greatness in our own lives, whether it be in sports or other areas.”

Led by Coach of the Tournament, Hendrick Mukwevho, the Meridian Northern Academy saw a number of their players scoop individual accolades for their performances throughout the competition.

Thato Mpati took home the Golden Boot Award, while Bokang Thaba was named Player of the Tournament. Team captain, Thabo Malatsi, was honoured for his exceptional goalkeeping and leadership.

Mosimane, the founder of the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS), also congratulated the promising young talents.

During his tenure in charge of the national team, the Premier Soccer League’s most successful coach of all time was a vocal proponent of the need for greater investment in youth development football to improve South Africa’s fortunes on the global stage. This led Mosimane to launch PMSS in 2023.

The Meridian Northern Academy was one of the pilot schools used to initiate the programme in 2023, with great success. Thousands of learners within the primary schools of the greater Curro Group have followed the expanded programme in 2024 to develop their athletic ability and football skills.

“When I was coach of Bafana, I worked with remarkable players who represented the nation at the highest level and played overseas,” Mosimane said.

“My experience of having coached internationally led me to ask myself how far we are from the highest international level. It made me realise that we need to start football training at an early age.

“So, where is the best place to start? At school, because that is where you find mass participation from a young age. That is how we got involved with Curro.

“Congratulations to Curro and the Northern Academy coaches,” he added.

Loubser echoed Mosimane’s sentiments, encouraging the class of 2024 ahead of their final exams and thanking the staff and parents for their tireless support.

“I want to honour every teacher and every parent of every learner at Meridian Northern Academy for their sacrifices and support. You should be very proud of the champions before us today, as well as of every other learner on every team at this school.

“We have so much more work to do in our society, so many more opportunities to create, so many more young heroes to support. Curro is inspired to offer exceptional, quality education.

“Every child matters.”