Bidvest Wits beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 to win the SAFA U17 National Championships title at the Nike Football Training Centre.
Bidvest Wits beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 to win the SAFA U17 National Championships title at the Nike Football Training Centre.
Goals from Thato Tsibolane, Peter Frosler and second half substitute Khuzulwandile Vilakazi saw the Charles Yohane-coached Bidvest Wits walk away with the title they richly deserved after playing the most enterprising soccer during the tournament.
“I am excited about the title and overall, I think we played better soccer and we were very consistent. I have really enjoyed this tournament and would like to take this opportunity to thank SAFA and Grand Parade Investment for providing our youngsters with such an opportunity,” said Yohane.
“Such tournaments are good for the country as they provide a solid foundation for future great teams.”
His vanquished Chiefs counterpart, Arthur Zwane said while he was disappointed by the outcome, his charges had gained invaluable experience.
“We can only get better by exposing ourselves to such competitions. I would like to take my hat off to SAFA and the sponsors (GPI through their subsidiary company Burger King) for investing in our future stars.
SAFA junior coach and National Selectors Coordinator, Shakes Mashaba said he was thrilled with the standard of football exhibited by provincial sides.
“We saw exciting soccer throughout the week. I would however, want to advice provincial coaches to interact more with some of these established academies to learn a thing or two in order to be at par.”
Individual Awards:
Referee of the Tournament: Moreki Lekwape
Top goal scorer: Shungu Dutiro, 5 goals (Bidvest Wits)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Sanele Tshabalala (Bidvest Wits)
Coach of the Tournament: Doctor Mkhonza (KZN)
Player of the Tournament: Liam Jordan (Bidvest Wits)
Here is the provisional U17 National Team selected from the tournament:
Goalkeepers: Kubheka Walter (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sanele Tshabalala (Bidvest Wits), Skei Sizwe (Kaizer Chiefs), Shishi Mfundo (Kwazulu Natal), Abrahams Shaheen (Western Cape)
Right backs: Shima Lebohang (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mbatha Victor (Bidvest Wits), Canada Jose (Bidvest Wits)
Left Backs: Mdlalose Luyanda (Kaizer Chiefs), Notha Ncobo (Mamelodi Sundowns), Dlalisa Goodwill (Free State)
Central defenders: Mbele Christopher (Mamelodi Sundowns), Shoba Itumeleng (Bidvest Wits), Mukumela Thendo (Limpopo), Thabang Lebese (Kaizer Chiefs), Nxumalo Phillip (Gauteng)
Defensive midfielders: Mshifana Lethabo (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ladeira Nicholas (Bidvest Wits), Kodisang Kobamelo (North West), Baloyi Charles (North West), Mthuthuko Shabalala (KwaZulu Natal), Kyriacos Nicolas Rodrigues (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Attacking midfielders: Jordan Jonathan (Bidvest Wits), Frosler Peter (Bidvest Wits), Mfodolo Buhle (Mamelodi Sundowns), Buthelezi Sibonelo (KwaZulu Natal), Andile Nkosi (Bidvest Wits)
Left Midfielders: Noge Felix (Free State), Modise Malebogo (Mamelodi Sundowns), Matlawe Bennedict (North West), Nala Ngcebo (Kwazulu Natal)
Right Midfirlders: Mashego Katlego (Kaizer Chiefs), Cele Thulani (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mantjie Junior (Free State), Bunting Antonio (Gauteng)
Strikers: Mkhundlu Aviyile (Mamelodi Sundowns), Dutiro Shungu (Bidvest Wits), Mkha tshana Luvuyo (Bidvest Wits), Morris Romario (KwaZulu Natal), Mayo Erick (Eastern Cape)