Local team wins Plate Cup
“Some of our talented players come from disadvantaged backgrounds and cannot afford to pay for the trips."
KwaThema – Springs Local Football Association’s selected u-13 team participated in the Ekurhuleni Youth Tournament from the 1-7 October at Tsakane stadium.
The players were selected from the 18 u-13 teams within the LFA teams in the Springs Local Football Association.
The team was knocked out in the quarter-finals but went on to win the Plate Cup after playing to 1-0 against Junior Stars from Duduza.
Soccer coach, Mkhonza Mkhonzana, says the 16 teams from Ekurhuleni participated in the tournament.
“We selected some of the best players in our teams to represent the LFA.
“Four of our players, namely Mzwandile Buthelezi, Boisana Mokwena, Karabo Sikonya and Phemelo Mofokeng, were selected as ‘best players’ of the tournament.
“We are proud of the players for fighting to make their mark in the tournament and for making it that far,” he says.
Mkhonzana says they appreciate the help of the residents and business people who contributed towards the catering and transportation of the players.
“If it wasn’t for their contribution, we don’t know how we would have successfully transported them.
“Some of our talented players come from disadvantaged backgrounds and cannot afford to pay for the trips.
“We are encouraging parents and other business people to come forward and assist us where they can.
“Soccer helps us to keep the young boys from the streets. It prevents them from loitering around and committing crime or taking drugs.
“It also teaches them responsibility and discipline but we will not be able to win this fight without the help of the community,” he says.
