The 10th annual Future Champions Football Tournament starts on Monday, 19 March, in Pimville, Soweto.
This internationally recognised tournament brings together under-17 football players of different creeds and culture, as well as socioeconomic backgrounds, from across the globe under one roof.
The youngsters will spend at least six days together not just competing on the football pitch, but also touring some of Gauteng’s most vibrant social and historical sights.
The well-maintained Nike football stadium in Soweto is where all the action, including dribbling, shibobos, and scoring will happen, as players compete for the lucrative trophy. The best team and country in terms of organisation, successful football development programme, and resilience will be crowned the 2018 Gauteng Future Champions.
“We are crossing fingers for South African teams, especially the ones based in Joburg,” said Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg.
The tournament is not just about lifting the trophy. To date, at least twenty-five players have been scouted and are now playing professionally in the Premier Soccer League.
The three most-skilled 2016 Future Players, Philane Kunene, Prince Moeketsi and Charlton Jane were given the opportunity to go to Spain to visit the likes of Fernando Torres and to train with the under 17 sides of Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Villarreal – a rare opportunity by any standards.
The likes of Refiloe Jane, Sankile Nkomo and Christa Kgamphe went through a successful training and coaching programme as part of the same project. “These youngsters are now a force entering the football market with zeal,”
“The launch of the Gauteng Future Champions Football Tournament has brought back memories. Those who have been around, seeing Soweto evolve from the dusty ashes confirmed that the City of Joburg brings dignity to the people,” said MMC Sifumba.
The Future Champions Football Tournament is sponsored by GCI Global, the Gauteng Provincial Government and is supported by the City of Johannesburg; the South African Football Association (SAFA), LaLiga, Sedgars Sport, Clinix and the Association of Gauteng Coaches.
“Having converted the Simba Stadium to its current form, the Nike Football Stadium and hosting international tournaments there demonstrates that life is full of possibilities. Municipal services are sure to be delivered in the best possible way to ensure that Joburg continues to shine,” said MMC Sifumba.
“The socio-economic impact of sport on the lives of individuals and communities is tremendous, proving that a Joburg that works, is a South Africa that works,” said MMC Sifumba.
The tournament starts on Monday, 19 March and entrance is free.
The draw is as follows:
Group A Group B
Highlands Park, South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa
Jomo Cosmos, South Africa Nkana FC, Zambia
Club Brugge, Belgium Ado Den Haag, Netherlands
Group C Group D
Orlando Pirates, South Africa Bidvest Wits, South Africa
Black Africa Hopsol, Namibia AC Reggiana, Italy
FC Spartak, Russia Espanyol, Spain
