Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala and Agnes ‘Madala’ Nkosi were present when the Mamelodi Sundowns youth development sides won the inaugural Volkswagen (VW) Vaya Cup soccer event on December 10th and 11th.
During the two-day event held at the University of Witwatersrand, the club’s Under-16 girls and Under-13 boys sides demonstrated their superiority in both the group stage and knockout round.
Coach Jerry praised his senior players Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Rhoda Mulaudzi, and Andile Dlamini, who coached Bidvest McCarthy VW Constantia after the victory.
“Credit must go to Constantia for emerging as the tournament’s deserving champions due to their constant play.” I also applaud the rising coaches who fostered a positive rapport with the young players during the games. Their enthusiasm rubbed off on the players, and the effect is evident to all. Overall, I am quite pleased with the management of this competition, and I hope that additional possibilities will be made for our young players and energetic coaches,” said Kappa.
Coach Agnes believes that the event is an ideal way to develop grassroots football throughout South Africa.
“Based on what I witnessed throughout the tournament, I can confidently declare that the future of women’s football at Mamelodi Sundowns and in South Africa is bright due to the caliber of young players on exhibit. Coach Jerry and I got the opportunity to scout a number of young talents that we anticipate will dominate the news in a few years. Madala congratulated both the girls and boys teams for continuing Mamelodi Sundowns’ winning streak.
Rhoda was unable to contain her delight when Constantia won the Vaya Cup tournament.
“Winning a trophy as a player is incredibly meaningful, but doing so as a coach is simply unbelievable. Special appreciation to the parents for allowing their children to advance their careers with Mamelodi Sundowns. I also congratulate the tournament’s sponsors on a job well done, as well as the Club Chairman, the management, the technical staff, and the entire Yellow Nation family for their tremendous support in allowing us to compete in this competition. I also applaud the professionalism of my colleagues coaches (Andisiwe and Andile) and our teammates who came to cheer us on. “Congratulations to the Under-13 boys squad that played under the name Lindsay Saker Midrand!” exclaimed an ecstatic Rhoda.
The victory at the VW Vaya Cup highlighted Mamelodi Sundowns’ robust youth development programs, which are meant to boost the personal, physical, technical, tactical, psychological, and social development of gifted adolescents within its institutions.
Once again, congratulations to the girls’ and boys’ teams and their respective coaches!!
»After winning the VW Vaya Cup, Sundowns Ladies coaches praised junior development teams«