Ajax win U19 cup in Belhar

The event took place at Erika Park in Belhar from 16 to 21 April. Over thirty teams from across the country participated. The venue has four fields so there was a continuous soccer feast from 10:30 in the morning until late in the evening everyday. Thousands of people came to watch the plethora of soccer matches.

Earlier on, before the main final, two other finals were played with Senoane Gunners winning the Plate Final 1-0 against Harmony Gold Academy. In the Mid-Section final Glendene United beat Wits University, also 1-0.

The final was delayed when Sundowns fans refused to sit down in the main stands, making the final day chaotic. After several requests from the organisers for the fans to leave the main stand they finally complied and the game eventually got under way.

In the eighth minute Ajax winger Charlton Basson’s long range shot gave his team the lead which will see them retain the cup even though both teams had numerous chances in the game. The game was very tense with the boys from Pretoria making strong tackles.

The was jubilation from the Urban Warriors fans, bench and players when the referee blew the final whistle. A calm Ajax coach Maaher Davids said, “This is a fantastic win for everyone at the club. The boys pulled through together. There was a lot of pressure coming to the tournament as defending champions, but with pressure there’s opportunity. Our first team coach was here watching the boys. I hope he picks some of the boys to play in the PSL.”

Sundown’s Ntandokayise Ngubane takes on the Ajax defence and looks for an equaliser. Photo by Siyabonga Kalipa.

The young Urban Warriors sang and danced after the game. Cheslon Carollisen said, “This is my second premier cup win this year but it feels like it’s my first time. It’s an indescribable feeling. Today we beat one of the big teams in the country because we listened to our coach’s instructions. Even though the was a lot of pressure we stayed calm and it showed. Today we came through.”

Another excited Ajax player Olwethu Nguye, 18, said “It feels good to win it again, especially because a lot of people doubted us. And I’m especially happy because the first team coach was here watching. I hope I get a chance to play in the PSL very soon.”

Ajax walked away with a beautiful floating trophy plus a cheque for R35,000, while Sundowns received R20,000 for their efforts.

Individual players, coaches and officials who were excellent in the tournament were awarded at the end of the final. Sundown’s Sphelele Kwabesi was named player of the tournament walking away with R3,000. Goalkeeper of the tournament was another Sundowns player Mpo Mathega taking home R2,000. Malcom Meyer of Glendene United walked away with top goal scorer. The fastest goal at 12 seconds was scored by Buti Mosekili of Harmony Gold and the first hatrick was scored by Thabanga Namakotoane of Senoane Gunners. Old Mutual Academy was named the team of the tournament with Sundowns Rulani Mokoena named Coach of the tournament. ASD Cape Town manager was named manager of the tournament. Lucky Mqoboleni won the award for best referee. Beau West City from Beaufort West was named most promising amateur team.

A few lucky Western Cape based players were selected to go and represent the province in a tournament in China in August.

Here are the players that have been selected:

• Goalkeepers

  • Bulelani Cola (Vasco Da Gama)
  • Shuaib Adams (Bayhill Utd)

• Defenders

  • Cheslin Carollisen (Ajax)
  • Rushine De Reuck (ASD)
  • Sinako Magadla (Bishop Lavis)
  • Byron Mckellar (Hellenic)
  • Riyaaz Ismail (Hellenic)
  • Adrian Jaftha (Morgenster)
  • Dean Kowalski (Santos)

• Midfielders

  • Olwethu Nguye (Ajax)
  • Devon Wood (Beacon Spurs)
  • Aushron Kruger (Beau West City)
  • Fawaaz Basadien (Milano Utd)
  • Roberto Slater (Old Mutual Academy)
  • Anthony Gordinho (Ajax)

• Strikers

  • Fagrie Lakay (Santos)
  • Melcolm Meyer (Glendene)
  • Glen Hahn (Bellstar)

• Manager: D. Solomons (Bayhill)

• Coach: M. Fourie Old Mutual)