Villa FC lifts the Kathorus MAIL Knockout Tournament trophy
“I am happy with what Kathorus MAIL has done for us. The excitement you see from the boys as they lift the cup motivates and inspires a lot of young players from lower divisions.”
Villa Development FC has been crowned champions of the Kathorus MAIL Knockout Tournament after they took out Hotspurs 2-0 in the finals at Somhlobo Soccer Field, Katlehong, on November 15.
Hotspurs knocked out Young Boys in the semi-finals to book their spot in the finals, while Villa FC punished Triple S.
Villa took the lead early in the game when Phumulani Mthanyelo scored the opening goal. They secured some breathing space after Tshepo Mngomezulu extended the lead to make it 2-0 in favour of Villa FC.
Hotspurs manager Abel Sithole said he was very happy it was a nice game and the best team won, but both teams played well.
“A tournament of this nature is very important. We would like to have this tournament again. My wish is for it to be annual because it helps children to not be out in the streets. Instead, they spend the day on the field.”
Sithole said even as coaches and club managers, they do not teach the sport for money. It is about developing players and saving children from adopting bad habits in the streets.
The founder of Villa Development FC, Motseki ‘Tiger’ Khanye, said his players are still disrespectful towards other clubs.
He said they limit their performance based on their opponents.
“When they play against a team that is underperforming, they also do not perform, but when they play against a strong opponent they go all out,” he continued.
“This is something I always reprimand the players about to say you don’t have to do that. You have to be committed and disciplined because, in football, people do not remember the loser they always remember the winner; this is a result-based sport,” said Khanye.
“I am happy with what Kathorus MAIL has done for us. The excitement you see from the boys as they lift the cup motivates and inspires a lot of young players from lower divisions.”
Villa FC captain Tebogo Mahlangu said they had a few setbacks, as three of their players were injured, but they managed to play a good game.
“I would not say fielding new players affected us because we played well, we did not concede any goals in the tournament,” said Mahlangu.
Villa FC received the Kathorus MAIL Knockout Tournament trophy, R1 400 cash prize, a full kit bag and gold medals, while Hotspurs received silver medals, R700 cash prize and a full kit bag.
