Randburg Football Club (FC) U18s fell short on penalties after a 0–0 draw against Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-finals of the Engen Knockout Challenge at Marks Park.
The Randburg squad outdid themselves and gave their all in a three-day tournament that began with the group stages. They were grouped with Kaizer Chiefs, Jomo Cosmos, and Transition Football and came second, qualifying for the quarter-finals.
They met their rivals, SuperSport United from the Gauteng Development League (GDL), in another intense fixture. The local boys stepped up and were unfazed by the large crowd and the so-called big teams. Onaishe Nyasvimbo gave the team a 1–0 lead from the penalty spot. SuperSport came back, guns blazing, in the second half and equalised, making the score 1–1. Sipho Muntanga stole the show in the dying minutes of the game with a bullet header to give Randburg a well-deserved 2–1 win, booking them a place in the semis.
After a 0–0 draw against Kaizer Chiefs in regular time, their journey ended on penalties where they lost 4–2. Chiefs went on to be champions after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2–0.
The local boys settled for the fourth place after a 1–0 loss against Kathorus Academy in the third-place encounter.
Coach Skhosiphi Mgobhozi explained that it was a very special journey for the team and the club. This is their highest finish at the competition, and they are extremely proud of the improvements and strides made.
There was disappointment about the loss to the Chiefs after playing so well. However, the unity and spirit the boys showed throughout the tournament meant that they could lean on each other during the disappointment.
He added that the unity and togetherness pulled them through difficult moments during their journey.
“Desire, bravery, and a fierce determination to work for each other. Every member of the team put their hand up and gave it 200%. This is a big achievement for them, as a club, and is a testament to all the hard work of the players and coaches. We are very proud as a technical team. We put in a lot of work in our preparation which played a major role in our success over the tournament.”
Randburg’s goalkeeper and captain Colby Sinclair was awarded the goalkeeper of the tournament award.
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