Author: sipongco

Northwood School has been crowned the champion of the KZN High Schools Football Association’s u14 Cup after defeating Durban High School (DHS) in the final on Sunday at Crawford North Coast, in Ballito.

The title-decider went down to a penalty shootout following a goalless draw, and Northwood edged it 4-3 to claim the honours.

There was a further award for Northwood, with their outstanding Kyan Valjee being named the Player of the Tournament.

Intensive training sessions during the winter holidays, which were aimed at enhancing Northwood’s overall performances, paid dividends. They had been scheduled as a response to obstacles at the beginning of the school’s football season, which had prevented them from performing at their peak.

On their way to the final, Northwood dominated against Crawford La Lucia, powering their way to a 5-1 victory. They followed that with a convincing 4-1 win over Carter High School in the quarterfinals.

In the semi-finals, they were comfortable winners again, defeating Durban Academy 3-0.

DHS pushed them all the way in the final, with little to separate the sides, but, in the end, Northwood captured the Cup.

KZHSFA u14 Cup Results

1st Round

Port Shepstone 1-4 DHS
Glenwood 2-3 Sastri
Hilton 2-3 Clifton
Ixopo 1-2 Westville
Northwood 5-1 Crawford La Lucia
Hillcrest 2-1 New Forest
St Nicholas 2-8 Durban Academy
Carter beat Ashton on penalties

Quarterfinals

DHS 2-1 Sastri
Clifton 0-1 Westville
Northwood 1-0 Carter
Hillcrest 1-3 Durban Academy

Semi-Finals

DHS 2-1 Westville
Northwood 3-0 Durban Academy

Final

Northwood (4) 0-0 (3) Durban High School

The u16 Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) delivered another exciting day of action at the Panorama Football Club in Roodepoort on Sunday, with some sides strengthening their challenges for the title, while others, at the wrong end of the standings, struggled.

With nine weeks remaining, Mamelodi Sundowns continues to lead the way in both the u16 and the u14 divisions of the GWDL.

In the u16 age group, ‘Downs are seven points clear at the top, with 45 to their name. JVW, who are known for giving the Brazilians a tough time, are in second place, on 38 points.

The battle for third is tight, with Tuks holding down that position, on 35 points, while Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) lies fourth, only one point adrift, on 34.

Tuks, under the guidance of coach Tania Oliveira, enjoyed a successful Sunday of football, securing all six points available to them.

They defeated the hosts, Panorama FC, 2-0, with Rorisang Matjeding, and Maemu Rasivhaga scoring for the Pretoria-based club. In their second match, against Kempton Park, Tuks maintained a clean sheet and won 3-0, with Vhugala Netshithothole, Tshiamo Kekana, and Zanokuhle Nkosi finding the back of the net.

Tuks’ versatility was on show as their five different goal scorers attested to their ability to score from anywhere, rather than rely on a single goal threat.

RESA, on the contrary, was held to a 1-1 draw by Panorama FC. However, RESA’s coach Simeon Lekhooana, known Coach Solly, oversaw a much better performance from his charges in their second outing against Tornado FC.

RESA secured a 4-2 victory – with Thuto Rathebe netting twice, Madika Motloung also scoring, and Tornado giving up an own goal – which gave the team from Vereeniging a three-point haul.

JVW was on cruise control in their sole outing. They overpowered Football Origin, romping to an 8-2 victory. Sundowns also won comfortably in their game, beating Tornado FC 4-0.

RESULTS

RESA 1-1 Panorama
Tornado FC 0-4 Mamelodi Sundowns
Tuks 3-0 Kempton Park
Football Origin 3-0 Kenneth FC
Refilwe FC 0-0 Highlands Park
RESA 4-2 Tornado FC
JVW 8-2 Football Origin
Highlands Park 2-0 Kenneth FC

The GWDL’s focus will shift to the u14 division of the league on 28 July, with the action taking place at Jeppe Quondam, the home of JVW.

FIXTURES

09:00, Field 1 – JVW vs RESA
09:00, Field 2 – Kempton Park vs Panorama
10:30, Field 1 – Kenneth FC vs Refilwe
10:30, Field 2 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs FC Origin
11:45, Field 1 – Tuks vs Edenvale
11:45, Field 2 – Panorama vs JVW
12:45, Field 1 – FC Origin vs Kenneth FC
12:45, Field 2 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kempton Park
13:45, Field 1 – Edenvale FC vs Tornado FC
13:45, Field 2 – Tuks vs RESA

Carter High School is set to host its inaugural Soccer Super Cup on 27 July. The event brings together eight schools from Pietermaritzburg and its surrounds.

The hosts have earned themselves a reputation as one of the top football-playing schools in the region and are the team to beat.

In the second term, they proved their pedigree by beating Maritzburg College to be crowned the champions of the KZN High Schools Football Association’s Inland League.

Their run to the title also included an impressive win over the Red, Black and White in the round robin stage of the competition.

After back-to-back defeats to Carter, however, College beat them 2-1 in the most recent meeting of the sides, on 20 July, with Malachi Momple striking twice for the winners.

Maritzburg College, though, won’t be in action in the Soccer Super Cup. They’ll be participating in the Primo Big 10 at Hilton College, which brings together 10 of the top teams from traditional boys’ school in KZN.

Carter will be led by Ntuthuko Mnguni, whose influence includes as a leader and a top performer. They’re, arguably, the odds-on favourites to win the event.

They’ll be challenged by Linpark, Haythorne, ML Sultan, St Nicholas, Heritage, Wartburg and Ixopo High School. The latter, among the challengers, will bear close watching. They caught the eye during the KZN High Schools Football Association’s Inland League during the second term.

Alexandra High, though, achieved one of the most notable recent results, handing Maritzburg College a big 4-1 defeat just over a week ago.

With a busy schedule and a short amount of time to recover between games, fitness is sure to be a crucial factor.

u19 Super Cup fixtures 

09:00 – 09:30

Field 1 – Carter vs Wartburg
Field 2 – Heritage vs Linpark
Field 3 – Ixopo vs Alexandra High School
Field 4 – ML Sultan vs Haythorne

09:45 – 10:15

Field 1 – Carter High School vs Heritage
Field 2 – Linpark vs Wartburg
Field 3 – Ixopo vs ML Sultan
Field 4 – Haythorne vs Alexandra High School

10:30 – 11:00

Field 1 – Carter vs Linpark
Field 2 – Wartburg vs Heritage
Field 3 – Ixopo vs Haythorne
Field4 – Alexandra High School vs ML Sultan

11:30 – 12:00

Field 1 – Winner Pool A vs 2nd Pool B
Field 2 – Winner Pool B vs 2nd Pool A
Field 3 – Winner Pool A u16 vs 2nd Pool B u16
Field 4 – Winner Pool B u16 vs 2nd Pool A u16

u16 fixtures

09:00 – 09:20

Field 5 – Carter vs Kokstad
Field 6 – Alexandra vs ML Sultan

09:25- 09:45

Field 5 – Ixopo vs St Nicholas
Field 6 – Haythorne vs Wartburg

10:00- 10:20

Field 5 – Carter vs St Nicholas
Field 6 – Alexandra vs Haythorne

10:25 – 10:45

Field 5 – Kokstad vs Ixopo
Field 6 – ML Sultan vs Wartburg

11:05- 11:25

Field 1 – Carter vs Ixopo
Field 2 – Kokstad vs St Nicholas
Field 3 – Alexandra vs Wartburg
Field 4 – ML Sultan vs Haythorne

12:15 – 12:50
u16 Final

13:00 – 13:45
u19 Final

13:45 – 14:00
Prize Giving

Shandre Campbell, an inductee into the SuperSport Schools Class of 2023, has officially joined Club Brugge, the reigning champions of the Belgian Pro League.

His first step towards playing for the 19-time Belgian champions will be to turn out for Club NXT, their youth academy, which competes in the Challenger Pro League, the second flight of Belgian football.

Campbell has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising young players in South African football and enjoyed a memorable debut season in the SuperSport United first team, under the guidance of coach Gavin Hunt.

He played in 30 games, across all competitions, in the 2023/24 season, including 20 games in the DStv Premiership, six matches in the CAF Confederations Cup, three in the Nedbank Cup, and one in the MTN 8 Cup and scored six goals.

Campbell, who turns 19 on 15 July, was nominated for the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season, which was ultimately won by Orlando Pirates winger, Relebohile Mofokeng.

The SuperSport United winger garnered significant attention and attracted interest from, among others, Dutch champions Feyenoord and Danish Superliga title-holders FC Midtjylland. However, it was Club Brugge who secured his signature.

In a statement, Club Brugge said: “Club NXT has strengthened itself with Shandre Campbell. The 18-year-old South African is being acquired from SuperSport United. Shandre Campell wants to continue to develop in Europe and finds a development programme tailored to his needs at Club Brugge.”

SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews commented: “Shandre is humble and disciplined and works consistently hard in every training session to improve his game. He has been given a unique opportunity at Club Brugge to play with and against best players Europe has to offer in a world-class environment.”

His parents, Clarissa and Rishaan Campbell told SuperSport PSL 202 that they are proud of what their son has achieved.

Clarissa Campell said: “We just want to wish him the best. We know he’s going to make it. We stand fully behind him, as a family.

“He just needs to stay positive and humble and go out there to do what he does best. He knows what it takes it to be the best, and keep on working hard, Shandre.”

She added: “Keep on praying. Keep on believing. Keep on staying positive. You are real blessing to us, and we thank God for that.”

Rishaan Campbell, emotionally, wished his son well, saying: ” Shandre, your father wants to wish you all the best and only the best in your life. Shandre, I have never doubted you.

“I remember when we spent time together, going into different areas, just to give you a proper training session. You have never said no. Remember that. Go with that mindset to the other side of the world.

“The world is at your feet my son. I love you, Shandre, and I know you will never disappoint us.”

The Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament concluded with a tension-filled last day of competition on Sunday at the Kgotso Grounds in Phiri, Soweto, with the prize of gold up for grabs across all of the four divisions.

In its ninth edition, the tournament, organised by the Siphiwe Tshabalala Foundation, exceeded expectations and showcased the continuing growth of the esteemed winter schools’ football competition.

Apart from the local Gauteng sides, the tournament also featured teams from the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape and the Free State.

It finished in style with the presence of notable personalities, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, football icons’ Doctor Khumalo, Lucas Radebe, and Edward Motale, and current players, among them, Kermit Erasmus.

A special legends’ match between Betway, one of the sponsors, and a Shabba XI, provided an exciting opportunity for the young talent to witness their idols in action. The tournament’s founder and organiser, Siphiwe Tshabalala, along with his former club and national teammates, captivated the youth with their football skills, showing that they still have what it takes.

Among those in action were Thuso Phala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kermit Erasmus, and Doctor Khumalo, all of whom donned the green and gold of Bafana Bafana.

In the battle for the titles, the finals were challenging and thrilling with little to separate the contestants in the title-deciders.

In the u15 boys’ final, Soweto Shining Stars faced off against Meadowlands Academy. At the end of regulation time, neither team had conceded a goal, which led to a penalty shootout. Meadowlands Academy claimed the honours from the spot by a 4-3 margin.

The u17 boys’ final was similarly tight and neither Cape Town Skeleton nor KVK Academy scored in regulation time. The boys from the Mother City, however, grabbed the title with a 3-1 win on penalties.

The Ladies’ division delivered an intriguing final between Diepkloof Ladies and Mito Stars.

Those who follow women’s soccer in the SASOL region of Gauteng and beyond are familiar with the teams, who tend to bring out the best in their rivals.

On this occasion, Diepkloof Ladies emerged victorious, capturing their first title of 2024 after a 4-3 penalty shootout win to boost their sterling record in finals.

In 2023, they achieved a treble by winning the Linda Mntambo Soccer Foundation Tournament, the Clinix Stix Morewa Soccer Challenge and the Nkanhlamawaka Festive Games. They also made it to two other finals – the 20th Walter Sisulu Discovery Soccer Tournament and the Gauteng Women’s Soccer Tournament. – but were tripped up at the final hurdle.

In the u20 division, the championship match featured Mike Stars and Nicaragua. A single goal decided the contest, with Samkelo Mkhulise netting in the first half to win the title for Mike Stars.

It was a tale of two halves, with Mike Stars dominating the opening stanza, but Nicaragua came back strongly after half-time to create some promising goal scoring opportunities as they searched for an equaliser.

Full Results

u15 – Meadowlands Academy 0(4) – 0(3) Soweto Shining Stars
u17 – Cape Town Skeleton 0(3) – 0(1) KVK Academy
u20 – Mike Stars 1-0 Nicaragua

Ladies Division

Diepkloof Ladies 0(4) – 0(3) Mito Stars

The Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) experienced an almost three-week hiatus without any football matches. However, the GWDL returned with an exciting Sunday of football at Panorama Football Club in Roodepoort.

Panorama FC hosted the u14 and the u16 of the GWDL fixtures showcasing an entertaining display of football that evoked a range of emotions even among the spectators. Many were filled with joy at the opportunity to witness the sport after a prolonged hiatus, while others grappled with disappointment as their respective teams faced setbacks and defeats.

The day was marked by various occurrences on the field, including contentious referee decisions and other factors that influenced the outcome of the matches. Ultimately, football emerged as the true victor, with both spectators, participants alike, including the players and coaches, cherishing the experience of engaging in compelling and competitive football.

Mamelodi Sundowns, the top team team both the u14 and the u16 division, with 33 points, boasting 8 and 7 points respectively. They further solidified their positions at the top of the table over the weekend.

There were some many brilliant matches to witness, one of which was the u16 clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and JVW FC. When these two teams faced off, fans always anticipate a display of competitive football and a rollercoaster of emotions. While spectators enjoyed the spectacle, it may not have been as enjoyable for the coaches. This year alone, these teams have crossed paths in crucial moments one of which meeting in the final of Pre-season tournament of the GWDL and the Pirates Cup.

Mamelodi Sundows emerged victorious in the Pre-season GWDL tournament, but JVW FC claimed the Pirates Cup. With this history, it was no surprise that the match lived up to the expectations and delivered a thrilling display of competitive football.

The first half of this match concluded with a scoreless draw, resulting in heightened tension and frustration for all involved. In close proximity to the benches, keen observes could see both coaches issuing instructions in anticipation of the upcoming second half.

In the dying moments of the match, Mamelodi Sundowns managed to secure a dramatic victory with a last minute goal, defeating JVW FC 1-0 as the final score.

Post-match comments from coach Rhoda Mulaudzi of Mamelodi Sundowns 

Coach Rhoda Muladzi of Mamelodi Sundowns pondered over a challenging match against JVW, and upon receiving the first yellow card as a coach. Coach Rhoda remarked, “Its the first time in my coaching career that I’ve been shown a yellow card, it happening on the bench!”

“Congratulations to our technical team, the coaches that I work, coach Andisiwe, Zanele, Andile, the Goalkeeper coach, fitness coach and the Sundowns management. They are putting effort to where this team is today.”

Coach Rhoda said that the team put up a strong fight against JVW and it was a challenging match. The changes made by the technical team made impact. “The player who scored the goal was on the bench with us, and we told her to take on defenders and shoot when she sees the opportunity and that is what she did.

“To be honest these girls are gifted, they are marvelous and they listen to us. We teach these kids not to be scared of the opponent, play what you know.”

“Also congratulations to JVW, every time when we play them its a war,” Coach Rhoda concluded.

Post-match comments from Samuel Dube of JVW FC

Coach Samuel Dube said his team looks forward to play against Mamelodi Sundowns as there is a bit of personal rival there.

“It sucks to lose one nil, last minute of the game after putting such great shift. It is a bitter pillow to swallow, other than that I’m proud of the girls. They really tried , we stopped Sundowns from playing like Sundowns. There was no shoe-shine football today. First time I see Sundowns playing one root-football.”

“They normally play through , I think Zihle Mkhize she wear number 15 and Moothosamy Amara , and I told my players as long as you close down those two players, and man-mark them, I really do not think they can play out.

He emphasized that his attacking trio played a crucial role in pressing Sundowns and managing possession of the ball. This strategy is essential in order to prevent Sundowns from dominating possession and taking advantage of scoring opportunities.

Coach Samuel congratulated Sundowns despite their loss, expressing his desire to outperform them in the next encounter, whether it be in a cup match or during the league play.

u16 Results 

Edenvale 2-0 West Youth Academy
Tuks 4-0 Football Origin
Refilwe 0-0 Tornado FC
RESA 2-0 Kenneth FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 JVW FC
Kempton Park FC 4-2 Highlands Park
Football Origin 2-0 Edenvale
Refilwe 2-0 West Youth Academy
Tuks 2-0 Kenneth FC
JVW 1-0 RESA
Panorama FC 2-0 Kempton Park FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Highlands Park

u14 Results 

Edenvale 0-0 Highlands Park FC
RESA 2-1 Refilwe
Panorama FC 3-0 Tornado FC
Tuks 4-0 Origin FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 West Youth Academy
Highlands Park 0-0 Kenneth FC
JVW FC 3-0 Edenvale FC
RESA 0-0 Tornado
TUKS 2-1 Refilwe
Panorama FC 2-0 West Youth Academy
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Highlands Park
Kempton Park 2-1 JVW FC
Edenvale FC 2-0 Kenneth FC

Two weeks are already in the book, but the Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament’s 9th edition continues on its way at the Kgotso Ground in Phiri, Soweto.

The tournament, which runs through the winter schools’ season, is approaching its knockout stages.

On Saturday, there were some significant results achieved, with Orlando Preston Brothers stealing the show by handing Pimville Young Stars FC a 5-0 defeat.

In another exciting game, Mike Stars and MSDA FC did battle.

In the early going, most of the action was confined to the midfield. Mike Stars FC, though, broke through after a counterattack, led by Msizi Moleboloa, who finished well.

Atlehang Ngu missed a clear-cut opportunity to extend the lead, but Mike Stars continued to dominate the match, playing a lot of the game deep inside the MSDA half, which also brought them a number of set pieces near their opponents’ box.

Still, Mike Stars needed a standout performance from their goalkeeper, Nkosinathi Sigudla, to secure the win. He pulled off some stunning saves, including one on the final whistle, to preserve the lead.

RESULTS

u17: Phiri Winter Roses 1-0 Tshiawelo United
u20: Soweto United Academy 2-0 F14
u20: Mike Stars 1-0 MSDA FC
u20: SUSSA 0-0 Euphoria
u20: Villa Marseille 1-0 Zola Seven Stars
u20: Orlando Preston Brothers 5-0 Mighty Movers

On Sunday, 23 June, Marks Park, in Johannesburg, will serve as the venue for Gauteng Engen Cup Ladies qualifiers.

Football excitement is expected to peak as the provincial Engen qualifiers come to a close in Gauteng. This weekend, the Eastern Cape will also host qualifiers.

The Gauteng event is set to be highly competitive, with teams from various leagues in action, including the Gauteng SASOL League and the Gauteng Development League.

Each team boasts an impressive profile and a proven track record of success in big games and competitions.

There is plenty of intrigue and suspense as the weekend’s action nears. The ultimate goal will be to qualify for the Engen Champs of Champs, which will feature all of the provincial winners in action to see which team is crowned the best.

Group A Fixtures
Home		Away	Kick-off	Venue
Old Parks FC	vs	Springs Home Sweepers	08:00	Marks Park Field A
Kenneth Football Club	vs	Diepkloof Ladies	09:30	Marks Park Field A
Springs Home Sweepers	vs	Diepkloof Ladies	11:00	Marks Park Field A
Kenneth Football Club	vs	Old Parks FC	12:30	Marks Park Field A
Diepkloof Ladies	vs	Old Parks FC	14:00	Markspark Field A
Springs Home Sweepers	vs	Kenneth Football Club	15:00	Marks Park Field A
Group B Fixtures
Home		Away	Kick-off	Venue
Rosina Sedibane	vs	Blue Birds Ladies	08:00	Marks Park Field B
Panorama Ladies	vs	Riverside View	09:30	Marks Park Field B
Blue Birds Ladies	vs	Riverside View	11:00	Marks Park Field B
Panorama Ladies	vs	Rosina Sedibane	12:30	Marks Park Field B
Riverside View	vs	Rosina Sedibane	14:00	Marks Park Field B
Panorama Ladies	vs	Panorama Ladies	15:00	Marks Park Field B
Group C Fixtures
Home		Away	Kick-off	Venue
Eldorado Park Ladies	vs	Future Stars Ladies	08:00	Marks Park Field C
Velocity FC	vs	Kempton Park	09:30	Marks Park Field C
Future Stars Ladies	vs	Kempton Park	11:00	Marks Park Field C
Velocity FC	vs	Eldorado Park Ladies	12:30	Marks Park Field C
Kempton Park	vs	Eldorado Park Ladies	14:00	Marks Park Field C
Future Stars Ladies	vs	Velocity FC	15:00	Marks Park Field C
Group D Fixtures
Home		Away	Kick-off	Venue
Emmarentia Pirates	vs	Napoli FC	08:00	Marks Park Field D
Bantwana Ladies	vs	Randburg AFC	09:30	Marks Park Field D
Napoli FC	vs	Randburg AFC	11:00	Marks Park Field D
Bantwana Ladies	vs	Emmarentia Pirates	12:30	Marks Park Field D
Randburg AFC	vs	Emmarentia Pirates	14:00	Marks Park Field D
Napoli FC	vs	Bantwana Ladies	15:h00	Marks Park Field D
Group E Fixtures
Home		Away	Kick-off	Venue
Springs United Ladies	vs	Thembalethu Ladies	08h00	Markspark Field E
Real Peace Ladies	vs	Mito Stars Ladies	09h30	Markspark Field E
Thembalethu Ladies	vs	Mito Stars Ladies	11h00	Markspark Field E
Real Peace Ladies	vs	Springs United Ladies	12h30	Markspark Field E
Mito Stars Ladies	vs	Springs United Ladies	14h00	Markspark Field E
Thembalethu Ladies	vs	Real Peace Ladies	15h00	Markspark Field E

During the Youth Day Celebrations at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, 16 June, the Deputy President of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, used the occasion to laud the South African u15 girls’ football team.

Less than a month ago, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo’s team won the CAF African Schools Championship.

The SA u15 girls triumphed over Morocco in a penalty shootout, winning 4-3 from the spot after the game had ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Coach Khumalo had previously guided Edendale Technical High School to victory in the AFCON COSAFA Qualifiers twice, which earned them a spot in the CAF Finals of the Schools Championship. However, they had never previously won the title.

Not only did their triumph over Morocco speaks volumes about the team’s resilience, but it was a breakthrough victory, a milestone achievement, as they became the first South African team to be crowned the champions of the CAF African Schools Championship.

“I would like to commend the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, for promoting the Sports for Youth Development (S4YD) initiative as a serious medium of intervention that promotes the physical and mental health of our youth and reinforces the fact that young people are at the heart of South Africa’s work to promote unity, active citizenry, peace, and development,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

“We must include the young people in discussions that influence their current goals and our future goals.”