After Tuks’ upset win, GDL title down goes down to the last game
The Gauteng Development League (GDL) was expected to conclude this past weekend, with Highlands Park and Mamelodi Sundowns in the running for the u19 title, but heavy rains meant some matches in Johannesburg couldn’t be played.
Earlier in the week, though, Wits Junior snatched a 3-2 victory over Panorama and Rockefvs downed the University of Pretoria (Tuks) 4-2.
On Saturday, Highlands Park, who are pursuing their third consecutive GDL title, was set to face the School of Excellence, with Tuks awaiting them on Sunday.
Due to a waterlogged pitch, their Saturday match was postponed to Saturday, 8 November. Meanwhile, their title-chasing rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, were in action against Jomo Cosmos and bagged a convincing 3-0 victory.
With the win, the Brazilians moved up to 77 points, tied with Highlands Park, but Sundowns took over first place on goal difference.
On Sunday, though, the Lions of the North had a chance to move back into first place when they faced one of Sundowns’ Pretoria neighbors, Tuks. Unfortunately for Highlands Park, Tuks played the role of spoiler, claiming a sound 3-1 win. That result was gratefully received by Sundowns, at Clapham.
Omolemo Moabi, Tristan Peters, and Sibusiso Munyuku netted for Tuks in the surprise win, with the consequence being that Highlands Park needs Panorama to beat Sundowns in their final match of the season.
If both title chasers were to win next week, ‘Downs, with their superior goal difference, would lift the title and stop Highlands Park’s quest for a three-peat.
In other matches on Saturday, Kathorus Hyper Academy, fresh off a 2-1 victory over Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) last weekend, once again beat the Vereeniging club at the President Park Stadium, although this time it ended 3-2.
Before beating Highlands Park on Sunday, Tuks scored a 3-2 win over Panorama, while Randburg claimed a 1-0 victory over Jomo Cosmos on Sunday.
Seven’s Academy grabbed a narrow 1-0 win over the School of Excellence, while TS Galaxy got by Joburg City 3-2.
Elspark United, who will be relegated to the second tier of the GDL, did not fulfil their fixture against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, resulting in Amakhosi being awarded a walkover win and three points as a consequence of that.
Trophy lifting Time
While the u19 title winner will be decided next week, the other age groups have already crowned their winners.
The u17 GDL title was awarded to the Mamelodi Sundowns, who dominated their opposition.
The Brazilians also won the u15 GDL title, while Kaizer Chiefs claimed the u14 GDL crown. Mamelodi Sundowns’ outstanding season continued with victory in the u13 division, too.
With three titles already in the books, the pressure now shifts to the u19 Mamelodi Sundowns’ side to deliver a fourth.
The Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) titles were presented on Sunday, 26 October, with JVW winning the inaugural u13 division title
The SAFA Academy dominated the u15 division and were worthy winners, while the u17 title went the way of Mamelodi Sundowns, who had a competitive back-and-forth with SAFA Academy before Banyana Ba Style secured the title.
RESULTS
Wednesday, 29 October
Wits Junior 3-2 Panorama
Rockefvs 4-2 Tuks
Saturday, 1 November
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Jomo Cosmos
Kathorus 3-2 RESA
Tuks 3-2 Panorama
Wits Junior 5-2 Rockefvs
Kaizer Chiefs vs Elspark United (Walkover, Elspark failed to honour the game)
Sunday, 2 November
Tuks 3-1 Highlands Park
Seven’s Academy 1-0 School of Excellence
TS Galaxy 3-2 Joburg City
Randburg 1-0 Jomo Cosmos
