Stars of tomorrow clash at Mafikeng

Mafikeng is alive with top quality football action as the quarterfinals of the SAB Under-21 National Championships get underway at Montshiwa Stadium on Thursday.

Despite winning their final group match against KwaZulu-Natal 3-2 on Wednesday, Limpopo were eliminated from the tournament as they finished at the bottom of the four-team Group A.

All four teams, including winners North West and second-placed Free State, were tied on four points after three matches, but Limpopo finished at the bottom of the table due to an inferior goal difference.

Also out of the tournament are Eastern Cape, who finished at the bottom of the three-team Group C with no points, having lost to both Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

All three teams from Group B, Northern Cape, Western Cape and University Sports South Africa, are through to the knockout stage.

Northern Cape defeated both of their opponents 1-0 to finish at the top of the table with six points, while Western Cape and USSA played to a 1-1 draw in their final group game, which earned each side a valuable point.

Free State will then take on USSA in the early kick-off on Thursday, with the grudge match between defending champions Western Cape and last year’s runners-up Mpumalanga set to follow.
Quarterfinal fixtures:

Free State v USSA

Mpumalanga v Western Cape

Northern Cape vs KZN

North West vs Gauteng