As the maiden edition of the Volkswagen (VW) Vaya Cup soccer tournament gets underway at the University of Witwatersrand, Mamelodi Sundowns’ youth development squad will be looking for a dominant performance.
From Friday, December 9th to Sunday, December 11th, eight under-16 girls’ soccer teams and sixteen under-13 boys’ soccer teams will compete for the championship.
Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Rhoda Mulaudzi, and Andile Dlamini will be in charge of the Sundowns youth development team, which consists of two promising young players: Lumka Qhekeka and Sphesihle Magazi.
Lumka scored a legendary brace in her Hollywoodbets Super League debut against Tsunami Queens at the age of 15 last year. The teenage player who helped Sundowns Ladies win the Hollywoodbets Super League is looking forward to the Vaya Cup.
“I am looking forward to the VW Vaya Cup because it will allow me to demonstrate some of the principles I have learned from playing with experienced Sundowns Ladies players.” The coaches have been incredibly helpful in calming our nerves and fostering a wonderful team spirit and attitude in camp. Qhekeka commented, “I feel privileged to be able to learn from such seasoned players, and I cannot wait to make them proud.”
Sphesihle, who appeared in few league games during the most recent season, is eager to demonstrate her leadership abilities as vice captain.
“I cannot wait to apply the knowledge I have acquired while competing in the Hollywoodbets Super League. I anticipate a highly competitive event, and it will be invigorating to compete against my peers. It is also an honor to be named the team’s vice captain. It means a great deal to me to be coached by highly experienced players who have a wealth of international and South African playing experience,” stated Magazi.
Katlego Malebane, who participated as a ball girl in South Africa’s victory over Morocco in the final of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, expressed her delight upon being named captain.
“It is an honor to be named captain of the squad prior to the competition, and I eagerly anticipate the tournament. We are quite optimistic about our chances, and our coaches have been extremely helpful in educating and encouraging us. “To be mentored by these legends is a dream come true, as they have endured numerous high-pressure situations,” Malebane remarked.
Matobane Moshugi, who has been practicing with the Sundowns Ladies team for the past few months, cannot wait to face other teams. “Personally, I am thrilled and cannot wait to display my talent. I believe this will be the greatest opportunity for me and my colleagues to demonstrate that Sundowns Ladies juniors can emulate the success of the senior squad and first team. I cannot wait to compete against the other teams in the Volkswagen event. I am fortunate and appreciative to be coached and mentored by the great coaches who also serve as my role models. Everyone is excited about the tournament.”
The inaugural champion of this year’s tournament will receive both the coveted VW Vaya Cup and team rewards. The winning girls and boys teams will also participate in a Volkswagen-sponsored international training camp in 2023.
»Young Mamelodi Sundowns players are seeking victory in the inaugural VW Vaya Cup competition«