Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

Limpopo's plan of defending the Safa Under-17 Youth Championships could be shattered, not because they are not capable on the pitch, but because the team does not have enough players.

In their opening match at Bophelong Stadium yesterday, Limpopo fielded eight players and went on to loose 4-1 to North West.

Limpopo's manager Johannes Phefadu explained that some players did not travel with the team because they were writing year-end examinations.

"We brought other new players, but Safa's local organising committee told us they did not appear in the registration forms sent to the national office on November 2," said Phefadu.

This ruled them out.

Free State played their opener against Gauteng without reserves but still won 4-1.

Prince Magagula, the Free State manager, said four of their players were registered with South African Schools Football Association (Sasfa), who were also participating in the competition.

"We only realised on Friday that the quartet were registered with Sasfa," said Magagula.