Gauteng Boys and Girls Football Teams
By Sello Masilo
The Gauteng Boys and Girls football teams have emerged victorious as the 2024 Champions of the U15 National Championships, a highly anticipated event held at Sturrock Park from 9 to 10 August 2024. Both teams secured their championship titles by defeating KwaZulu-Natal 1-0 in their respective finals, showcasing the remarkable young talent South Africa has to offer.
A Tournament of Exceptional Talent
The U15 National Championships are a critical platform for young footballers, offering them an opportunity to display their skills and catch the eye of national scouts. This year’s tournament did not disappoint, with exceptional performances across the board. The South African Football Association (SAFA) scouts were particularly impressed with the growth and development within the provincial structures. Their efforts culminated in the selection of players who are expected to make significant contributions to South African football in the coming years.
Success of the Championships
SAFA Technical Director, speaking on the success of the tournament, expressed his satisfaction with how the event unfolded. He credited the strong partnership between SAFA, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and the National Schools Championships for ensuring that football development remains vibrant in South Africa. “We were blessed with beautiful football this weekend and we are very confident that we will be sending two excellent squads to Namibia for the CAF African Schools Championships next month,” said Steenbok. He further emphasised the abundance of talent in the country and his excitement about the future of these young players. “We are so excited about how much talent there is in the country, and we can’t wait to see where these players will end up in the next few years,” he added, concluding with a heartfelt thank you to all the partners that supported the tournament.
Individual Honours and Recognitions
The tournament also celebrated individual excellence, with several players and coaches receiving accolades for their outstanding performances:
• Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament:
• Girls: Obuhle Sithole (7 goals) – KwaZulu-Natal
• Boys: Banele Mvelase (3 goals) – KwaZulu-Natal; Omphemetsi Sekgoto (3 goals) – Gauteng
• Coach of the Tournament:
• Girls: Octavia Matsha – Gauteng
• Boys: Sikekedi Mohale – Gauteng
• Goalkeeper of the Tournament:
• Girls: Eaglet Maonola – Limpopo
• Boys: Aiden February – Western Cape
• Player of the Tournament:
• Girls: Nomfundo Nzuza – KwaZulu-Natal
• Boys: Ontlametse Modisane – Gauteng