SuperSport juniors clinch the Engine U17 Knockout Challenge
The Engine U17 Knockout finalists, Supersport and Bidvest Wits will play in the national finals of the competition in October.
SuperSport United won the Engine U17 Knockout Challenge after beating Bidvest Wits 4-3 on penalties in the final which was played at Marks Park.
Both teams played to 1-all draw until regulation time before going to penalty shootouts.
Despite losing, Wits together with the champs will now proceed to the national finals, the Engine Champs of Champs to be hosted by SuperSport in October.
During the game, both teams were all over each other in this thrilling encounter creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Wits opened the scoring charts 10 minutes into the game from the boot of Sizwe Thwala who struck a beautiful volley to give his team the lead.
The game produced some exciting football from both teams with the players showing a great deal of display, keeping spectators entertained in the process.
SuperSport equalised just a few minutes into the second stanza after a well taken strike outside the 18-yard box by Thabelo Mulaudzi.
To reach the final, SuperSport beat Mpumalanga Black Aces 4-3 on penalties while Wits on the other hand won 11-10 on sudden death penalties as well.
SuperSport’s front rower, Zama Rambuwane was named player of the tournament and scooped the best striker award as well.
Supersport coach, Ricardo Katza was pleased with the win and said the competition was very tight because most of the well-equipped PSL academies are in Johannesburg, and is grateful to be coaching such a bunch of talented boys of which he sees most of them going on to play professional football in the foreseeable future.
