Kaizer Chiefs U18 coach Vela Khumalo was in high spirits after his side beat Mamelodi Sundowns to the Engen Knockout Challenge title in the final of the Gauteng leg.
The Amakhosi youngsters won all their three group stage games against Randburg AFC, defending champions Jomo Cosmos and Highlands Park before beating Black Aces in the quarter-finals the School of Excellence in the semi-finals.
In the final, Sundowns’ youngsters awaited and were beaten on penalties after the game had ended 1-1 in regular time before going straight to penalties.
“It’s a boost for us to win this tournament. It will help with the game that’s coming up this weekend against SuperSport Reserves,” Khumalo told Chiefs’ media department after the game.
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“The standard of the game was quite high, but our standard is a bit higher because our boys are exposed to tough competition as some of them play in the DStv Diski Challenge, even though they are under 18. To show our strength, we didn’t even concede many goals because we were able to deal with the opposition.
“Look, we had some under-17 players who will now be considered for the Reserve Team. We didn’t even play Mduduzi Shabalala, who still qualifies for the competition, but we let him stay with the senior team.
“It’s a great feeling to win, but what is important for us is the minutes and hours we need for a player to be properly developed.”
Chiefs’ youngsters were supported by the first team and technical stuff around Arthur Zwane, who watched from the sidelines.
The main title was not the only silverware the club brought back to Naturena, as Wandile Duba was named Striker of the Tournament and also won the top goal scorer award after scoring five goals in six games. In addition, Jeremiah Thanyane was named Defender of the Tournament.
Meanwhile, Relebohile Ratomo (School of Excellence) won the Midfielder of the Tournament accolade and was also named Player of the Tournament.
