Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Half a loaf is better than nothing!
These were the consolation words from Limpopo Under-21 coach Mike "Laduma" Rapatsa after winning bronze at the SAB Under-21 National Championships.
Limpopo, who were the tournament favourites beat Gauteng 4-2 in a third place play-off at Clive Somolons Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
"We are all happy that we are not going back to Limpopo empty handed, the problem is that we underestimated Northern Cape in the semifinals," said Rapatsa.
"For me a bronze medal is still a great achievement for the boys, considering that we did not spend quality time preparing for the tournament.
"The good thing for us is that it's only seven players who won't qualify to be part of this team next year, we will be roping in about 10 from the Under-19 side.
"There are some brilliant youngsters who were part of the Limpopo team that won the Metropolitan Under-19 Cup in Durban three weeks ago.
"The new team will have to play together so that they can to know each other well, our plan is to go for gold next year."
Rapatsa said he was happy Safa in Limpopo also gave up-and-coming coaches a chance to contribute to the success of the sport in the province.
"I was happy that the coaches who won gold with the Under-19 team in Durban were also new just like myself. Credit to Safa in Limpopo."
Percival Kopa (brace), Linsel Kganyago and Walter Lebelo scored for Limpopo, with Leroy Fischer grabbing both goals for Gauteng.
Rapatsa aims for gold next
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Half a loaf is better than nothing!
These were the consolation words from Limpopo Under-21 coach Mike "Laduma" Rapatsa after winning bronze at the SAB Under-21 National Championships.
Limpopo, who were the tournament favourites beat Gauteng 4-2 in a third place play-off at Clive Somolons Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
"We are all happy that we are not going back to Limpopo empty handed, the problem is that we underestimated Northern Cape in the semifinals," said Rapatsa.
"For me a bronze medal is still a great achievement for the boys, considering that we did not spend quality time preparing for the tournament.
"The good thing for us is that it's only seven players who won't qualify to be part of this team next year, we will be roping in about 10 from the Under-19 side.
"There are some brilliant youngsters who were part of the Limpopo team that won the Metropolitan Under-19 Cup in Durban three weeks ago.
"The new team will have to play together so that they can to know each other well, our plan is to go for gold next year."
Rapatsa said he was happy Safa in Limpopo also gave up-and-coming coaches a chance to contribute to the success of the sport in the province.
"I was happy that the coaches who won gold with the Under-19 team in Durban were also new just like myself. Credit to Safa in Limpopo."
Percival Kopa (brace), Linsel Kganyago and Walter Lebelo scored for Limpopo, with Leroy Fischer grabbing both goals for Gauteng.