4 August 2019 – Gauteng were crowned this year’s SAFA/SAB U21 National Championship winners after beating Western Cape 2-1 in the final which took place in the North West University in Mahikeng.
Goals by Lesiba Mahlong and Qobolwakhe Sibande in the first half were enough to give Gauteng the desired win, following their consistent showing throughout this tournament.
They are the only side in this year’s edition which finished off their campaign without suffering a single defeat.
Gauteng’s first goal came in the 13th minute when Mahlong connected well with eventual man-of-the-match winner, Richard Mokgoshi’s cross, to find the back of the net with a well-taken header.
In the 32nd minute, Sibande made it 2-0 with a superb finish after he was found marked by opposition’s defence in front of goal.
In the second half, Western Cape were awarded a penalty in the 87th minute, which striker Mickley George did a stunning job by converting the chance to give his side a fighting chance.
However, it was all too late for the Western Cape as Gauteng kept matters tacked at the back to deny their opponents more scoring opportunities up until the final minute.
SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan, who graced the event with his presence, said that this tournament will continue to be a perfect platform in unearthing undiscovered football talent in the country.
“This tournament has produced a whole lot of talented players in this country and it will continue to do so for many years,” Jordaan said.
“I would also like to congratulate Gauteng for winning this year’s edition and also tough luck to co-finalist the Western Cape Province. From an organisational point of view, the North West Province also did a stunning job in hosting this tournament.
“Everything flowed according to plan and I would like to applaud them on that.”
THE 2019 SAFA/SAB U21 LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES
Coach of the Tournament: Bongani Maseko (Gauteng team).
Player of the Tournament: Thabang Tsotetsi from Western Cape.
Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Siyabonga Mthombeni from Mpumalanga.
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Bongani Guguleni from Mpumalanga.
Referee of the Tournament: Nkosi Joseph from North West.