A new era of success, the Linda Mntambo Foundation Soccer Tournament has new champions
Under-15 final
Enthusiasts and supporters alike filled the ground at Mzimhople in Orlando, Soweto, on Sunday for an eagerly awaited under-15 final of the Linda Mntambo Soccer Tournament, with the Hammanskraal Sports Academy facing Khukza for the title.
Hammanskraal had surged into the gold medal game with a convincing 3-0 win over Sir P United in the semi-finals, while Khukza had sent Daveyton All Stars, the defending champions, out of the tournament with a 2-1 victory.
As the match got underway, Hammanskraal settled quickly. Showing good composure when on the ball, they dominated possession. Khukza, who looked to attack through their skilful and pacey wingers, tried to counter Hammanskraal’s possession-based approach by man-marking with high intensity.
Hammanskraal returned the favour by playing a high pressing game, with their backline hovering around the halfway line. Forcing Khukza onto the defensive, the Sports Academy launched a series of attacks which had the opposition’s backline scrambling throughout the first half.
Khukza had their moments, with their flair entertaining the crowd, but the tactically disciplined and well organised approach of Hammanskraal was dictating play and it almost brought them a goal just before half-time. They had the ball in the back of the net, but an offside call denied them the lead.
It was a busy opening stanza for the Khukza goalkeeper. In contrast, Hammanskraal’s net-minder appeared to be on vacation at the opposite end of the field.
After the break, Hammanskraal picked up where they had left off, neutralising any threats posed by Khukza.
Finally, they made the breakthrough, with Junior Numayo giving them the all-important lead. Having hit the front, it didn’t take long for Hammanskraal to double their advantage through Nhlayisi Nthite.
That’s how it stayed as Hammanskraal Sports Academy claimed the title of champions of under-15 section of the fourth edition of the Linda Mntambo Soccer Foundation Tournament by two goals to nil.
Inaugural Ladies Tournament: Linda Mntambo Foundation Soccer Games
Meanwhile, the Diepkloof Ladies team was crowned the champions of the inaugural girls’ competition following a 1-0 win over Mighty Ladies in the final.
Diepkloof midfielder Gontse Makhothi, nicknamed Xavi after the Barcelona legend, pulled the strings in the engine room for the winners, which allowed them to control the tempo of the contest. She was well supported by Nompumelelo Ntsele, who shone on both ends of the field.
It was an evenly contested clash, with both teams playing attacking football and seeking to close down the other’s offensive forays on the flanks. Both goalkeepers were put to the test.
After the game, an elated Linda Mntambo said he would like to see the tournament reaching even greater heights and becoming a national event during the school holidays.
“More than anything, we do not want this to end. We are creating a legacy so that we can also have something tangible for the next generation. With sponsors coming in to support us, we are positive that we can create something bigger than us,”, he said.
The Linda Mntambo Foundation, its past and its future
Mntambo founded the tournament during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020 at a time when the South African economy was under severe strain, with many people losing their jobs. Recalling the impact of the pandemic, he said: “I have always been the one to offer my hand. In 2020, I realized that through a foundation I could reach a much bigger scale and I could reach out to other establishments and stakeholders to assist our communities.”
The former Jomo Cosmos and Orlando Pirates midfielder continued: “I was raised by iKasi, and now it’s time to give back and not forget who I am and where I come. I did not want to wait until I retire in order to start giving back to the youth. Hence the Linda Mntambo Foundation Soccer games was established,” he said.
Concluding, Mntambo said the football games served a purpose beyond the field of play: “The beauty of the tournament is that we are giving a platform to the young people to showcase their talent, to [also] raise awareness against alcohol abuse, drug abuse and gender-based violence.
“We are taking an opportunity to take our kids off the streets and try by all means to give them something meaningful.”
Individual Awards
Players of the tournament – Junior Nyumayo
Match of the match – Molebogeng Maluka
Defender of tournament – Tshepiso Rakau
Goalkeeper of the tournament – Tiesetso Motshengwa
