Randburg FC hosts a successful Friendship Cup
The Randburg Football Club lost in a penalty shootout after drawing 0-0 with African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.
At the Randburg Football Club’s two-day U15 and U17 tournament, football fans were treated to top-class football full of skill and goals.
The Friendship Cup tournament featured some of the big teams in the country like Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.
The hosts failed to make it into the finals for the U15s but displayed top-class football and managed to defeat both Sundowns and Chiefs. SuperSport were crowned 2024 Friendship Cup Champions after their 2-0 victory over Tuks in a Tshwane derby.
All eyes were on the Randburg U17 team to try and keep the cup home on their 50th anniversary as they faced Mamelodi Sundowns in the finals.
Sundowns were gunning for revenge after they recently lost 1-0 to Randburg in a Gauteng Development League (GDL) encounter.
The hosts had the upper hand in the first half causing all lots of trouble on the right-hand side. They created two big chances in the first half with Patrick Chisungu’s header brilliantly saved by former Randburg FC goalkeeper Luke Holding.
Randburg continued to frustrate the Sundowns’ defence and came close to opening the score sheet but Cristiano Serra shot went inches wide.
Masandawana slowly found their groove back and started to play their famous Tiki Taka game. They managed to find each other in the small pockets, Sibusiso Tolomane almost cracked one in before half time but his shot went slightly over the bar.
The home side put on a hard defence shift in the second stanza as the visitors kept on knocking and knocking. The defence led by impressive Caeleb Pinto held on and had to remain disciplined and not give away opportunities to Sundowns.
Both teams had to be separated on penalties, Mamelodi Sundowns 8-7 victory broke Randburg FC’s hearts and took the second cup to Tshwane.
Randburg FC chairman Kevin Mudie thanked all the attendees and the people involved in making the tournament possible.
“This is a special tournament for us this year as it’s also our 50th birthday. From the guys who kept the venue clean and secure and everyone their tireless contribution is greatly appreciated by the club. To the whole team and sponsors thank you for all the work to make sure that the tournament runs smoothly as it did.”
- U17 player of tournament: Valentino Makhubele (Randburg FC)
- U17 Goalkeeper of the tournament: Luke Holden (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- U15 player of the tournament: Rocco Rodrigues (SuperSports United)
- U15 Keeper of the tournament: Wayde Carlson (Randburg FC)
Related articles: Randburg FC clinches a narrow win over Sundowns
