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The 10th annual Future Champions kicked off on Monday, 19 March 2018.
Dubbed the project of inspiration and development, this Under-17 soccer tournament has been staged across the world stage, bringing together teams from across the globe under one roof.
Local teams in the tournament include Bidvest Wits, Mamelodi Sundowns, Highlands Park and Orlando Pirates, and they did not disappoint on the opening day of the tournament on Monday 19 March.
Orlando Pirates beat Namibian outfit Black Africa by three goals to one, while Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Belgian side Club Brugge 2-1 and Bidvest Wits were held to a goalless stalemate by Russian outfit Spartak Moscow.
This is a youth tournament that uses the power and popularity of football to stimulate social and educational cohesion.
Being the home of champions, Gauteng continues to host this world class event at the state of the art Nike Football Centre, befittingly situated in Soweto, a township rich in South African history, thereby giving the young players to not only play football, but learn more about South Africa.
“We are now into the 10th year of ensuring that young talent is natured and is not wasted and lost. After a decade, this tournament continues to live up to expectation, therefore let us not disappoint,” said Phil Mogodi, Head of South African Footbal Association Johannesburg.
The tournament continues at the Nike Training Centre and the final will be played on Saturday, 24 March 2018.
