Future stars show off their skills

Young footballers take to the pitch in the inaugural Ekurhuleni Future Stars Off-Season Tournament.

December 13, 2017

Leigh Hodgson 2 minutes read

Elspark United FC practice shooting in preparation for their matches in the inaugural Ekurhuleni Future Stars Off-Season Tournament, held at Hoërskool Elsburg’s sports grounds from December 7 to 10.

Despite the unpredictable weather, young footballers from across Ekurhuleni flocked to Hoërskool Elsburg’s sports grounds from December 7 to 10 to show off their skills in the inaugural Ekurhuleni Future Stars Off-Season Tournament.

The tournament was open to teams in the u-15 and u-17 age groups, and was hosted by Puma Rangers Football Club in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

Teams in the u-15 division included Warriors FC, Milano FC, Super Rangers FC, City United FC, Masondo Academy FC, Elspark United FC, Khumalo FC and Sporting Spades FC.

While in the u-17 division, Puma Rangers FC, Milano FC, Khumalo FC, City United FC, Masondo Academy FC, Luso Africa FC, The Hour Stars FC and Elspark United FC competed for top honours.

After a tough series of matches, Warriors FC beat Super Rangers FC in the final to clinch the title in the u-15 division.

The team was commended for their discipline throughout the tournament and walked away with brand new kit, as did runners-up Super Rangers.

The top goal-scorer in the u-15 section was Sandile Sithole of Khumalo FC, who bagged a total of four goals in the tournament.

In the much anticipated u-17 final, which began late due to technical issues, Masondo Academy FC held off a strong Puma Rangers FC side to be named the Ekurhuleni Future Stars Off-Season Tournament champions.

Both final teams in the u-17 division also walked away with brand new kit.

Litha Mnene from Masondo Academy FC and Bill Onourah from Puma Rangers FC were the joint top goal-scorers in the u-17 division.

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The winning teams will now enjoy an exclusive tour of the Kaizer Chiefs Village.

“A big thank you goes out to our partners the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for their support, Hoërskool Elsburg for the use of their grounds, and SGB chairperson Anthony Badenhorst,” said Prince Rulashe, chairperson of Puma Rangers FC.

“A special thank you goes to the tournament organising committee, chief administrator Glen Mabunda, Marcelo Muinga, Peter Ngobese and Penelope Mlamla, and everyone who supported the tournament and made it a success.”