DELMAS – Phaphamani Secondary school emerged victoriously with a 2 nil score in their final clash against Mafa Max Motloung Secondary school of the Victor Khanye’s Bradley’s Foundation and School Development on 14 March.
In the semi-final of the tournament, Botleng Secondary School gave Phaphamani a run for their money with a 1-1 all draw leading to penalties that was staged at the Victor Khanye Municipal Sports ground. Phaphamani rose from the ashes with a 5-3 win against Botleng in penalties elevating them to face Mafa Max Motloung Secondary School, who won 3-0 against Sundra High School, in the finals.
The games continued to final stages in Delpark Matjotjombeni soccer ground between Phaphamani and Mafa Max. The many saves from Phaphamani’s goalkeeper maintained the composure of their team through to the last minute to secure first place victory of 2-0 against Mafa Max Motloung.
Captain Samuel Mgidi of the winning team said he could not be more grateful for the team’s efforts and cannot wait to show their school the trophy. “I feel happy even though we were short. We were 12 instead of 15, and this rendered us with limited options to make substitutions but we triumphed at the end,” said Mgidi.
The coaches from all teams expressed their gratitude for the sponsors and wish to see the boys going far in their soccer careers.
Founder and Director of Bradley’s Foundation, Bradley Dube, says the champions stand chances to secure a game with professional football clubs academies such as Supersport United Academy and possible scouts. “This is a great opportunity for young soccer players to get exposure to professional soccer academies, how they operate and also for these young players to learn different tactics in soccer.
“The winning team is going to play against Supersport Academy to get exposure to the coaches there and possible scouts. I have realised there is talent here [Delmas] but the players do not have enough exposure. We are also grateful for our sponsor for this tournament, the Universal Coal which bought these medals and trophies of the academies,” Dube.
According to the Foundation’s co-founder and director, Nompumelelo Mahlangu, the aim is to make the tournament a regular event. “Next time, we are going to KwaMhlanga for a Top 8 tournament which will also involve some of the winning teams from here [Victor Khanye]. We are open to adding more areas, particularly the disadvantaged communities so we are not limited to the current region [Nkangala],” Mahlangu added.
Future dates for the Bradley’s Foundation will be announced through their various platforms including social media, according to Mahlangu.
