BIDVEST Wits beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 to win the SAFA u.17 National Championships title at the Nike Football Training Centre on Sunday April 6.
Goals from Thato Tsibolane, Peter Frosler and second half-substitute Khuzulwandile Vilakazi saw the Charles Yohane-coached Bidvest Wits walk away with the title they richly deserved, after playing the most enterprising soccer during the tournament.
“I am excited about the title and overall, I think we played better soccer and we were very consistent. I have really enjoyed this tournament and would like to take this opportunity to thank SAFA and Grand Parade Investment for providing our youngsters with such an opportunity,” said Yohane.
“Such tournaments are good for the country, as they provide a solid foundation for future great teams.”
His vanquished Chiefs counterpart, Arthur Zwane, said while he was disappointed by the outcome, his charges had gained invaluable experience.
“We can only get better by exposing ourselves to such competitions. I would like to take my hat off to SAFA and the sponsors (GPI through their subsidiary company Burger King) for investing in our future stars.”
SAFA junior coach and National Selectors Coordinator Shakes Mashaba said he was thrilled with the standard of football exhibited by provincial sides.
“We saw exciting soccer throughout the week. I would however want to advise provincial coaches to interact more with some of these established academies to learn a thing or two in order to be on par.”
Individual Awards: Referee of the Tournament: Moreki Lekwape. Top goal scorer: Shungu Dutiro, five goals (Bidvest Wits). Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Sanele Tshabalala (Bidvest Wits). Coach of the Tournament: Doctor Mkhonza (KZN). Player of the Tournament: Liam Jordan (Bidvest Wits)
