Only the most lethal held the hope to survive in the battle for the coveted title of deadliest striker at the Nike Hypervenom Finals held this weekend.

Only the most lethal held the hope to survive in the battle for the coveted title of deadliest striker at the Nike Hypervenom Finals held this weekend at the Nike Football Training Centre.

Itumeleng Shopane was crowned deadliest from 30 of the most talented strikers who took part in a weekend of phenomenal football during the Nike Hypervenom finals held at the Nike Football Training Centre, Soweto under the guidance of football great, Shaun Bartlett and professional footballer Bernard Parker.

“South African football lacks strikers and today was all about finding talent that was able to stand out from the rest with their agility, power, speed and the precision to land the ball at the back of the net. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to work with these players and help them get the best out of themselves,” said Shaun Bartlett who has been Head Coach for the Hypervenom Trials that Nike has rolled out over the past month.

Sourced via the Nike Football App and local trials, the boys were pitted against one another during a high goal scorer tournament with intense energy as the players took one another on.

Itumeleng not only won the coveted title but has also earned a spot in the Nike Most Wanted final trial which will be hosted later this year.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. The finals were tough but I gave it my all and I’m very excited to have come out on top. At the end of the day every striker wants to know that he has what it takes to bring it home for his team. The coaches have taught us a lot,” says winner Itumeleng Shopane.