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Gauteng pip North West

GAUTENG are on track to reach the SAB Under-21 National Championships semifinals following their 2-1 win over North West at Hammersdale Stadium in Durban yesterday.

GAUTENG are on track to reach the SAB Under-21 National Championships semifinals following their 2-1 win over North West at Hammersdale Stadium in Durban yesterday.

The team guided by Japan Mthimkhulu has now collected four points after a goalless draw with Northern Cape in their opening match on Sunday.

Captain Pabalelo Mthoboli and Thandukuhle Radebe scored the two goals for Gauteng, with North West pulling one back through Joseph Modito.

Gauteng's team manager Mzwakhe Mashinini said: "It was a great display of soccer by the youngsters against North West, who have assembled a quality side.

"We are delighted that our dream of winning the tournament is still alive. Durban is a great tourism destination but we are definitely not here on holiday but to make Gauteng proud."

On Sunday, North West played to a 1-all draw with Free State. In other matches played yesterday, Free State hammered Mpumalanga 3-0 while University Sport South Africa and Limpopo drew 1-1.

Safa competitions director Belebetse Monnakgotla said their decision to make it an Under-21 tournament will benefit South Africa ultimately.

"All the provincial teams playing here have brought young players, which augurs well for the development of the beautiful game."

Safa president Kirsten Nematandani said some of the youngsters participating in the championships will get a chance to play for the Under-23 national team.

"We will soon be starting with the 2011 All Africa Games and 2012 London Olympic Games, so it is important to have quality players."

Some of the SAB Regional League products in Germany with Bafana Bafana include Lucas Thwala and Reneilwe Letsholon- yane.

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