Tsakane – The Brakpan Local Football Association held the first round of their Junior League in Tsakane on July 20.
In stream A of the u-13 division, log leaders Junior Rabbits won all their games, with their 5-2 win against Sporo Sporting being their best performance.
In stream B of the u-13 division, One Love Academy, which is at the bottom of the log, won one game, drew one and lost six, with their worst performance being a 7-0 loss against The Birds, who only won two of their eight games.
In the u-17 division, Palmers FC were hit with a hailstorm of goals during their 11-1 loss against log leaders Amakoporosh FC and their 17-2 loss against the second team on the log, Tjovitjo FC.
Brakpan Local Football Association admin officer Votile Jack says the teams who suffered major losses must not give up.
“They must not give up.
“Many of the teams that suffered these great losses are relatively new and are playing against experienced teams.
“These are just baby steps, they will get better as time goes on,” he says.
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Jack also adds that another reason for the large gaps in scores is because other teams do not have the necessary equipment and grounds to train.
“Some of these teams do not have a home ground where they can train and are forced to use parks.
“They also do not have proper balls, which becomes a problem because when they get to the games, it is all unfamiliar to them,” he explains.
Jack suggests that these teams do no not throw in the towel, but keep looking for sponsors and assistance from the parents of the players.
Jack says the Junior League is important because that is where players are developed.
“When you look at the problems we are facing with current professional players, you see that the problem is in the foundation of the players.
“If we develop these players now, they will blossom into great footballers in the future,” he concludes.
The league continues this Saturday with the games being played at Cuba Ground, Esihlahleni Ground, Extension Five Ground, Extension 11 Joko Ground, Extension 15 Ground, Extension 19 Ground, Extension 22 Ground, Geluksdal Stadium, Langaville Extension One Ground, Langaville Extension Eight Ground, Mamellong Ground, Marikana Ground, Michael Mkhwanazi Primary School Ground and Vuyani Primary School Ground from 11am.
