Sneke Chillers the 2018 soccer challenge champs

After 29 days of showboating and thrilling action-packed Kasi diski, the 2018 Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge came to a close on December 29 at the Nike Football Training Centre. This was the 16th edition of the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge with new teams being crowned in their divisions.

Sneke Park Chillers have been crowned the 2018 Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge champions in the senior men’s category after an amazing final against White City Spurs FC Spurs. Spurs seemed to have sealed the title for the second time. However, Sneke Chillers equalised with a minute left of regulation time.

The teams went into a penalty shoot-out. The team from Snake Park became the maiden champions with a 4-2 victory. Chillers goalkeeper, Phumlani Khumalo, named player of the tournament, made a remarkable save that left Spurs in disbelief.

On the whole, the tournament brought excitement and joy to those who travelled to watch the games.

In other finals that took place earlier in the day, Hyper Academy from Katlehong won the u-17 category beating Naledi Juventus. In the women’s final, Ya Rona Ladies FC defeated the 2017 Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge champions, Jabu All Stars FC, to become this year’s champions.

The Discovery Walter Sisulu is known as a refinement ground where new talent is discovered. Professional players such as Lyle Foster, who recently signed with France Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, are drawn from this football entity. Others who have graduated from Discovery Challenge include the u-17 national coach Simphiwe Dludlu and u-20 coach, Thabo Senong, Orlando Pirates’ Linda Mntambo, Xola Mlambo and Mamelodi Sundowns Sibusiso Vilakazi.

It has always been the vision of the Soweto Local Football Association president, Phil Mogodi, to honour the late liberation leader and ANC stalwart, Walter Sisulu, using the tournament to unearth young coaches to be exposed to the possibility of becoming professional coaches.

“My vision for this tournament was to establish a platform for local clubs and players to be scouted by professional clubs. It is a great feeling knowing that the vision that began 16 years ago, continues to nurture more talent, including Foster who started his career in this tournament and now has signed for French giants, AS Monaco. Simphiwe Dludlu who has made her mark as a national coach and Linda Mntambo who plays for one of South Africa’s biggest club, Orlando Pirates, is an example of what the tournament has done for young players.”

Mogodi said the tournament also creates an opportunity for small businesses and local community members to make an extra income, especially during the festive season.

“Small business and vendors also benefit from the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge as they are able to make extra money during the tournament. Community engagement is important during this tournament. The tournament enables us to create job opportunities for local community members.”

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