Limpopo under-15s stun 'Shoes'

SOUTH African Schools Football Association president Mandla "Shoes" Mazibuko says he has never seen such amazing talent at provincial level, as he did at the Limpopo edition of the Copa Coca-Cola Under-15 tournament.

The event, the first provincial edition of the tournament, was played at Nkowankowa Stadium outside Tzaneen on Saturday.

Mazibuko said the excellent display was a clear indication that coaches have done their homework and that the province has talent in abundance.

Mazibuko, who doubles up as Safa deputy president, said: "The standard was very high, as if it was at the national level. It also showed that the standard of football in the province is improving at a fast pace. I was impressed because four of the five schools participating were newcomers but marvellous to watch. I do not like to single out players, but two of the players from the provincial champions Kabelo Combined School were exceptionally good," said Mazibuko. He identified the outstanding players as Kgaugelo "Racket" Sekgotha and Tshepo "Roadblock" Mahlwane.

"The boys' talent reminded me of Johannes 'Bricks' Mudau and Harold 'Jazzy Queen' Legodi. Their talent needs to be nurtured through the sports academies," he said.

Kabelo's team manager Peter "Fuduwa" Mathekga said they will start immediately with preparations for the national tournament scheduled for Marks Park Stadium in Johannesburg from July 5 to 7.

The winner of the national championships will represent the country in Spain next year.

Mathekga's boys have scored 54 goals since the beginning of the tournament in March, conceding only one.

"I congratulate our coach Tino Letudi and the boys for a job well done," Mathekga said. "We will engage seasoned coaches from Safa and the academies to assist us for the national event."

Four of Mathekga's players have made it to the provincial team. The quartet are Mahlwane, Kgabo Molepo, Fani Mashaba and Frederick Mashamaite. Mahlwana and Mashamaite also made it to the provincial Safa U-15 squad.