Orlando Pirates FC are the Future Champions Gauteng International champions after beating FC Spartak 8-7 on penalties during the 11th edition of the tournament, which was hosted at the Nike Football Training Centre in Pimville, Soweto.
Organised by Global Sports International in partnership with Gauteng Provincial Government and supported by the City of Johannesburg, this tournament, from March 25 to March 30, remains a celebration of excellence in the Under-17 age group.
Teams from all over the world vied for the coveted trophy, which fortunately remained on home soil after Orlando Pirates proved to be the strongest team.
Teams that participated in the tournament included Bidvest Wits FC (Joburg), Kaizer Chiefs FC (Joburg), Club Brugge (Belgium), RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (Spain), Reggio Audace (Italy), Beijing Sinobo Guoan FC (China), Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Spartak FC (Russia), Club Tijuana (Mexico) and a side from the All India Football Federation.
Tournament Director Phil Mogodi of Global Sports International said: “I must give credit to the Gauteng Province and all of our partners, including the City of Johannesburg, for helping us to reach this, our 11th edition of the Future Champions Gauteng International Tournament.
“It is amazing to see how this event has grown since 2009 and we are delighted to have a competition for young women footballers for the second year running. The importance of the Future Champions Gauteng International Tournament cannot be underestimated.
Russell Paul, the Chief Executive of the South African Football Association, said: “We have always encouraged our teams to broaden their football education and for any young player it is important to expose them to contrasting styles and ways of playing the game.
“We are excited to once again see the women’s section of the tournament and hope that within this year’s group, there are some future Banyana Banyana stars.”
As boys and girls were playing, talent was identified and the process resulted into Ayeesa Moosa from Nirvana Secondary School, Bulelani Mkhanazi from Emsugantambo High School in Pimville and Mpho Maikhoso from Reashoma Secondary School being selected to take a trip to Spain to further sharpen their soccer skills.
“The City of Johannesburg is proud of Pirates. Hosting this tournament that has won so much acclaim down the years is a privilege and for that we are grateful. It has become synonymous with excellence on and off the pitch,” concluded Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba.
This year’s Future Champions tournament was also be supported by Clinix Health, Rand Water, Lovelife, Sedgars Sport and Score energy drink.
