Author: sipongco

Futurelife announced that it has become official nutrition partner at the highly anticipated Siphiwe Tshabalala Foundation Soccer Tournament, scheduled to be held from 24th June to 16th July 2023 at the Kgotso Sports grounds in Phiri, Soweto.

The tournament is open to teams from provinces across South Africa, both male and female between the ages of 15 and 20 providing an incredible platform for young and aspiring players to showcase their talent. Over 1800 soccer stars are expected to participate in the tournament. 

The beauty of the tournament for the young stars grants them an opportunity to secure one of the six guaranteed spots at the prestigious SuperSport United Academy. 

“As part of the sponsorship, Futurelife will feed every player from all participating soccer teams throughout the tournament, ensuring they receive balanced nutrition with nutrients and functional ingredients to support their immune system and help them to perform at their best.

Furthermore, Futurelife will also have a nutrition expert at the tournament who will offer advice and guidance on proper nutrition and its impact on everyday health, and sports performance, further emphasising the brand’s commitment to the overall health and well-being of the participants”.

Tshabalala says that he is really excited about partnering with a business that shares his vision: “With Futurelife by our side, we can make a positive impact on the lives of young South Africans, both on and off the field.”

Mark Bunn, Futurelife managing director says that the decision to partner with Siphiwe Tshabalala and his foundation was an easy one to make.

“We both share a deep passion for making a lasting impact on the youth of South Africa. Through the powerful combination of Siphiwe Tshabalala’s passion and impact on the future stars of soccer and Futurelife’s Smart Nutrition expertise, we are confident that together we can make a tangible impact on our aspiring players.”

SuperSport Schools will also be bringing the final week of the tournament to the wider audience through the SuperSport Schools App. 

In addition, the finals, taking place on the 15th and 16th July, will be broadcast live on DSTV channel 216. “We are very grateful to SuperSport Schools for their commitment to promoting grassroots sports and shining a spotlight on the remarkable young talent that is bound to emerge from this tournament,” states Tshabalala.

 

Waterstone College’s Executive Head, Jacques Nel welcomes some of the best schools and football academies in a thrilling soccer tournament at Waterstone College. 

A welcoming function for coaches, managers and executive heads will start on Thursday, 15 June, while group matches will start as early as 08:00 am Friday, 16 June 2023.

32 teams in and out of province will be competing for the grand prize and the bragging rights of walking out and being crowned 2023 Waterstone College Soccer Cup. 

Some of the traveling teams include the likes of Meridian Pinehurst from Cape Town and Northern Academy from Limpopo. 

Jacques wrote the tournament goes beyond the competition on the field, ‘it is an opportunity to forge new relationships, strengthen existing bonds and create lasting memories’ in and out of the field. “It is a celebration of values that sport instills in us- teamwork, discipline, perseverance and respect”. 

Players and spectators are encouraged to embrace the true spirit of fellowship, the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. 

Primary School Boys

Pool A

Curro Academy Parkdene, Curro Aurora, Curro Thatchfield, Curro Academy Soshanguve, Northern Academy. 

Pool B 

Curro Academy Protea Glen, Curro Academy Riverside, Curro Wilgeheuwel, Meridian Pinehurst, Waterstone College. 

Primary School Girls

Pool A 

Curro Thatchfield, Trinity House Glenvista, Northern Academy, Waterstone College

High School Boys

Pool A 

St Peter’s College, Curro Academy Soshanguve, Curro Wilgeheuwel, Meridian Pinehurst, Waterstone College

Pool B

Curro Academy Protea Glen, Curro Aurora, Meridian Cosmo City, Northern Academy, The King’s School Linbro Park 

High School Girls

Pool A 

St Peter’s College, Curro Aurora, Meridian Cosmo City, Waterstone College

Pool B

Curro Academy Protea Glen, Curro Wilgeheuwel, Northern Academy, The King’s School Linbro Park 

 

From the 23rd to the 25th of June, 12 schools will be participating in the Selborne College Soccer tournament in East London.

Amongst these schools is Urban Academy from Gqeberha, the champions of the Victoria Park Soccer Challenge that was held at the Dave Weinronk Sports Complex in March 2023. 

Another exciting team to feature in the tournament is Northwood High School from Durban. They will be making their second visit in the Eastern Cape after having played and won the u18 title in the Victoria Park  Soccer Challenge in March. 

Schools such as Dale College, Queen’s College and many other schools in the region are all familiar competitors and will feature in this exciting tournament.

The Pools:

Pool A: Stutterheim, Alexandra High School, Selborne College, Centre of Excellence, Hudson Park High School,  Urban Academy.

Pool B: Merrifield, Alexandra High School, Northwood, Victoria Park, Dale College, Queens College, St Andrews.

 

 

TS Galaxy have been handing defeats to the top teams in recent weeks as they close another week with a 2-1 victory by defeating Kaizer Chiefs at Naturena Village.

This comes after a week where they defeated the inform log leaders of the u19 Gauteng Development League, Mamelodi Sundowns which left everyone stunned. 

TS Galaxy’s impressive victory on the road means they are cementing their position in the top 8 as they will likely push even further as the league is still halfway.

TS Galaxy took an early lead through a penalty that was given to them in less than five minutes into the game. Despite going down in the first half, Kaizer Chiefs took full control of the game. The Glamour boys continued to attack, while TS Galaxy’s defence remained organised and unshaken.

Their goalkeeper also lived up to the task as Kaizer Chiefs’ attacks relentlessly looked for an equalizer. Kaizer Chiefs would go to play impressive football and dominate the game however their efforts were not enough as the game ended in a 2-1 loss at home.

Kaizer Chiefs lost an opportunity to close the gap between them and Mamelodi Sundowns. The top 4 of the GDL log has now been shaken once again as teams such as Highlands Park collected crucial points during the weekend.

School of Excellence on the other hand lost an opportunity to also put pressure on Kaizer Chiefs as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Panorama FC. 

 

Ever wonder why South African Football development despite the talent is behind countries such as Brazil, Germany and even Senegal? 

Xolani Mathumbo, CEO of RESA says South Africans should learn a thing or two from rugby schools of South Africa. How they are doing and why rugby is successful in the country from the school level up to the national team. 

There is no doubt that South Africa is a football loving nation and football is the most popular sport in South Africa, however the world knows us for rugby and cricket amongst other sports. There is no tangible structure from the top level to the schools that supports the growth of football in South Africa. Xolani remembers a time when football was a popular sport in schools. Where investments and sport curricula were encouraged at schools in and out of the townships. He says nowadays you don’t see that especially in the townships almost everyone has given up on football and that is a painful reality.  

For decades Xolani has been working with young people coming from diverse backgrounds, trying to give them hope and a much better future through football. 

“Remember Elite Sports Academy has built a team that has weathered the storms. Our team efforts spawn’s growth and development and ensure a conducive environment for responsible citizens in and out of football, says Xolani. 

When RESA academy came to life, there was almost nothing, from the facilities to the team that they have today. Today, the academy continues its growth in all aspects of its department. 

Establishing a unified structure has been an important aspect of our growth, says Xolani. As a football academy, the RESA family had to invest in a long-term plan in order to create a platform designed for their system. We have put together a team of young and old to work together, from the kitchen staff to the coaching team we all understand the importance of working together as a collective. 

Thulani Mthimkulu, technical director of the academy says he has a duty to analyze and come up with strategic objectives designed solely for their academy. Working closely with the coaches and ensuring they get every detail to know the progress of each player at RESA is very important for us, as that enables us to know the depths of the squad. 

Hard work, dedication, honour and integrity is what defines us as an academy, we as the leaders from the management team are obliged to live by those models and thus it becomes easy for our young talents to follow in the footsteps. 

Xolani says, if the South Africa Football Association could establish a working system that tracks the growth and development of players in each province, the nation could stand a chance of creating a much better future for young footballers in the country. 

Xolani also applauded SuperSport Schools for the platform that is given to the youth to showcase their talent. He believes that this is a step forward in the right direction in the development of South African football. He also hopes this will be a great opportunity for sponsors to come forward and support the work that they have been doing for years, him and other academies in the country. 

 

Maritzburg College clinched their first cup in the 2023 and they did so in a spectacular fashion by defeating Linpark High School at Barns sports ground. A venue jam packed with supporters from both schools singing and chanting behind their teams. 

Mazithi Qasha, Maritzburg College’s talisman and the top goal scorer in the u19 Inland fixtures was the difference maker on the final day with his goal that sealed the victory for his home side. 

Despite starting shaky, and being significantly dominated throughout the first half, Maritzburg College managed to hold let alone the significant threats from the Linpark side who looked like they could score every time they had the ball. 

Linpark missed several chances to bury the game in the first half, while Maritzburg College goalkeeper was put to a task throughout the evening. Linpark played with urgency and energy, capitalizing every move while Maritzburg struggled with their touches in the midfield which is one of their strongholds of their game. 

Both teams went 0-0 at half, however in their first few minutes of the second half, Maritzburg College caught Linpark’s defence sleeping and Mazithi Qasha who is not afraid to put the ball in the net did not make any mistake. His goal in the final puts him as the top goal scorer in the u19 inland KZN High Schools Football League. 

Despite being a goal down, Linpark fought until the last second of the game, however their efforts were in vain as Maritzburg’s defence closed all doors at the back. Linpark were awarded a freekick in the dying stages of the game from a very acute angle, right outside the box, but they failed to equalize and by then the game was already done. 

Delighted scenes for the Maritzburg’s side, celebrations took after in celebration of the hard fought victory against Linpark High School. 

 

It’s been yet another exciting week of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) and likewise it was an entertaining feast of football across the Gauteng province as the one of the top football academies continue their race for the title. 

Kaizer Chiefs vs Jomo Cosmos

On a Saturday afternoon, Jomo Cosmos travelled to the Naturena Village where they took on u19 Kaizer Chiefs. Back to winning ways, Kaizer Chiefs looked to extend their win after defeating Joburg City by 9-1 last weekend.

Kaizer Chiefs took an early lead which was the only goal for the match in the first 15 minutes of the game. A tactical game between the two sides, unfortunately Jomo Cosmos was on the losing side while the ‘Phefeni Glamour Boys’ took all three points at home. 

Chiefs coming out on top by 1 goal to none.

TS Galaxy vs Prestige Football Development Academy 

Right behind SuperSport United, u19 TS Galaxy looked to extend their win against Prestige Football Development Academy who are currently sitting in the mid-table of the GDL.

TS Galaxy won the game by 3-1 taking all three points on the road.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Wits Junior

At home, Clapham High School, u19 Mamelodi Sundowns took control of the game in the early stages, keeping the ball on their feet. With Wits looking to gain momentum of the game, Sundowns were forced to knock the ball in their half, however that worked on their advantage as they started to punish their opponents on the counter attacks using their speedy wingers and brilliance of midfield play.

At half time, Wits Juniors were already trailing behind by 2 goals to nil. They didn’t manage to find the back of the net in the second half but still managed to secure a 2-0 victory. 

SuperSport United vs Randburg AFC

SuperSport United who have not had a great start to the season as they would have liked due to injuries and missing several players played against the Randburg AFC, currently sitting on the 5th position on the log. Tshepo Mahlatsi and Kabelo Selowa of SuperSport United were the goal scorers as their side defeated Randburg AFC by 3-1.

This win for SuperSport united edges them closer to the top four of the logs. 

Other Results

Kagiso Porto 1, Joburg City 0|
Panorama 2, Tuks 1

A third successive 3-2 win for Port Shepstone sees themselves topping u19 Coastal Group B and qualify for the next round as they defeat Northwood in a very competitive game.

Thamsanqa the man of the match played a successful game as he saw his side making it to the semi-finals.  

Port Shepstone took an early lead in the first two minutes of the game as they caught Northwood’s backline sleeping. However, Northwood’s captain Usiphile Nxele equalized for his side. 

Drama continued in the first half as Port Shepstone missed a penalty after a good save by Lorence denying Port Shesptone’s captain. 

An entertaining football in the first half of the game, which turned into an all-attack by Northwood and an all-defence by Port Shepstone. Northwood missed an opportunity to take the lead after they hit the crossbar. In the dying stages of the first half, Port Shepstone scored the second goal making it 2-1 in the first half. 

Port Shepstone continued where they left off in the second half as they scored the 3rd goal making it almost impossible for Northwood to come back. The game continued to get worse for Northwood as they were down to 10 men after getting a red card. Right before the game ended, Northwood scored the second goal, however, it was already too late to score another two goals which would see them advancing to the semi-finals. 

A defeat for Northwood means Glenwood advanced to the semi-finals with four points after a nil-nil draw with Pinetown. 

 

It was raining goals as the Northwood defeated Pinetown Boys High School by 4-2.

Coming back from a defeat in the first round of the league, Northwood High School looked determined and a hungry side to win the match against Pinetown Boys High from the minute they entered the field.

Earlier this year, during an interview with SuperSport Schools, Mini Khoza, the director of soccer at Northwood spoke about the importance of controlling the game from the first to the last minute of the game. On Wednesday, the team showed exactly that with a goal in the 3rd minute of the game from their captain Usiphile Nxele.

The first half belonged to Northwood as they kept on winning the second ball and not allowing the Pinetown Boys High to play to their strength.

Despite threatening attacks from Pinetown, Northwood remained strong in all aspects of the game. Going into the second half, Northwood were up by two goals to nil, after a beautiful header from Ethan Hutton. 

Coming into the second half of the game, Pinetown looked out-numbered as Northwood continued to dominate the game. Gabrie De Kock scored the 3rd goal for Northwood followed by a penalty converted by Othandwayo Xaba with less than 17 minutes left in the game. 

Northwood came close to scoring the fifth goal after the ball hit the crossbar from a long-range free kick. 

Pinetown’s Boys came lively in the dying minutes of the game, with Qhawe Mapeyi becoming a threat to the defence of Northwood. Pinetown capitalized on the lack of concentration by Northwood scoring two goals for consolidations.

However, Northwood managed to put the game to bed as the match official blew the whistle confirming a win for Northwood by 4-2. 

Not only was it a tough day at the office for Pinetown, but their captain, Sphesihle Maphumulo got early showers after being shown a red having picked up a yellow card in the first few minutes of the game. 

Mini Khoza is delighted about the win and the performance displayed by his boys as he mentioned that at Northwood, they welcome good competition, and they love rivalry.

“All our traditional rivals provide tough competition for us, it is always a great spectacle and a challenging game against teams such as Pinetown, Durban High, Glenwood, Maritzburg and others.

For more than 25 years, Remember Elites Sports Academy (RESA) has been producing elite footballers in South Africa. 

You can go as far as the late 90s, Remember Elites Sports Academy formerly known as the Remember Football Club has been producing gems of footballers and writing its name in the history books of South African Football Development. 

In 1997, they made history by becoming the first team to win the Nike Premier Cup in South Africa. In 1998 they won it again and went to represent South Africa in France, in the same year France hosted the World Cup. In 1999 for the 3rd consecutive time, RESA won the Nike Premier Cup and went to represent SA in Spain. 

Even though the academy has gone through enormous struggles over the years from financial constraints, with their transport system; functioning under inadequate structures they have remained as one of the best academies in SA. 

The likes of Calvin Kadi who last played for Bidvest Wits, Nhlanhla Shabalala, General Secretary of SAFA all came through the ranks of the RESA (Academy). The list is endless: Thabang Monare, Orlando Pirates Midfielder, Mduduzi ‘Mdu’ Mdantsane, attacking player for Cape Town City, Sphiwe Mahlangu, TS Galaxy player, Lwandile Mabuya, Richards Bay FC and many more who have the fortune to played professional football, locally and overseas came through the ranks of RESA (academy). 

In its first year of participation in the Gauteng Development League, RESA finished 3rd on B-Stream while in 2nd  year they won it top convincingly with 30 points difference. 

Looking at the depth of the current squad, Xolani Mathumbo said that they are proud of the players they have who continue to fight for the academy at their best will. Last season they had one of their u17 boys called up to the AC Milan technical centre. “The academy has been fortunate to move players and that is one of the things we take pride in as RESA family, currently we do have a boy that is being under the assessment of Mamelodi Sundowns and we can only wish the best for the boy”

The academy also became the first to partner with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture to sustain the facilities and encourage the development of football in the region. 

The academy continues its growth with its main goal to offer the best sports programmes to young, talented sportsmen and women in and around the Gauteng region.