Black Aces take on BidVest Wits in Engen Knockout Challenge
Dias said the technical team of Charles Jacobs, Daniel Monteiro and Sechaba Montibeli did a fantastic job in getting the team ready for the biggest youth tournament in the country.
Black Aces Football Club playing from the Greek Sporting Club finished second behind last year’s champions Bidvest Wits at this year’s u-18 Engen Knockout Challenge held at Marks Park in Emmerentia from July 19 to 21.
Black Aces Academy director and head of youth, Tony Dias said the squad, which consisted of only six players who are 18 years of age, had to qualify to be part of the main tournament.
He said there were 64 teams in total at the qualifiers held in June 2019 and Black Aces were one of the eight teams to earn a spot in the main tournament.
“Black Aces displayed a disciplined performance only conceding two goals on their way to the final and did not receive any yellow or red cards throughout the tournament which earned the team the fair play award,” said Dias.
Dias said the technical team of Charles Jacobs, Daniel Monteiro and Sechaba Montibeli did a fantastic job in getting the team ready for the biggest youth tournament in the country.
“Their commitment and hard work was well rewarded through the outstanding performance from all the boys involved,” said Dias.
Dias said the eventual winners BidVest Wits beat Black Aces Football Club 2-0 in the final.
He added Bidvest Wits had four players in their squad who were scouted from Black Aces at the end of last season.
Shane Silverman, Sihle Masego, Liam Robinson and Quintin Molepo all spent at least four years at Black Aces Youth Development Academy.
Junior Nare, Keegan Mitchel and Bryn Deeley are all Bidvest players who came through the Black Aces development structures but were not part of the team who participated in the tournament this year.
Dias said Kaizer Chiefs and Highlands Park who finished third boasted players who came through the Black Aces development structures as well.
“The chairperson and staff of Black Aces Football Club would like to congratulate all the players, the technical staff and manager for once again flying the Black Aces flag high,” said Dias.
The team is managed by Michael Edwards.
