Durban – KwaZulu-Natal Member of the Executive Council Sboniso Duma’s newly formed foundation, SA Duma Foundation, successfully hosted an Under-20 boys tournament from 20 to 22 December at Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre.
The tournament held in Ugu Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, consisted of 24 teams competing for the R100 000 prize for the winning team.
According to Transport and Human Settlements MEC Duma, the initial tournament started in Umzumbe 15 years ago.
However, the tournament was on a smaller scale, he said.
“We had to broaden the score by ensuring that we invite almost all the regions,” said MEC Duma.
“So, you have iTheku (Durban), we have a team from Nongoma, Pietermaritzburg, Mbizana then you have a team from Ugu district. Probably next year all the regions should participate.”
MEC Duma added that his SA Duma Foundation hosted the tournament for the first time.
He said the Department of Home Affairs was there to help avoid age cheating during the tournament.
The exhilarating tournament was further blessed by the presence of South African football legends including Doctor Khumalo, Brilliant Khuzwayo, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Jabu Mahlangu, and many others.
After watching the young talents who participated in the tournament, the legends entertained the crowd by playing a game of football.
“It’s a big motivation for them (young players) when they see people who have played the game and have a huge experience in the gameplay,” said Nomvethe, who played in several European leagues and the South African national football team at the World Cup tournament in 2002 and 2010.
The former Kaizer Chiefs player added: “It is also a good way of motivating them that one day they will reach the level we have reached and play for Bafana Bafana”.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Manqoba Mnqithi, who was invited by the foundation to provide coaching clinics during the tournament credited the coaches of the young teams for the amount of work they have done throughout the tournament.
“I am very impressed by the two teams that I saw; they look very impressive,” said Coach Mnqithi.
“I am still going to go to their coaches just to show my appreciation for the work they are doing because I was really pleased by their performances.”
In the final game, the Midlands Academy walked away as champions of the inaugural tournament.
The Academy walked away with the R100 000 prize.
“Congratulations Midlands Academy Leadership, Technical Team, and players for winning the inaugural SA Duma Foundation U/19 soccer tournament,” Umgungundlovu District Sport Confederation posted on their social media.
