SuperSport Schools Plus

Defending champs held to a draw in GDL opener


The Gauteng Development League (GDL) is underway. The 2024 league season, the 13th since the GDL was established, kicked off over the weekend.

Since its introduction, the league has helped unearth many exciting talents who have gone to make their mark in the Premier Soccer League.

Among those whose stars are on the rise are Mfundo Vilakazi, who has broken into the first team of Kaizer Chiefs FC; Relebohile Mofokeng, formerly of the School of Excellence, and now on the books of Orlando Pirates FC; Emile Witbooi of Cape Town City FC; and Siyabonga Mabena who also represented the School of Excellence, and now runs out for Mamelodi Sundowns. Additionally, Owethu Khumalo, who emerged from the ranks of Randburg AFC, currently showcases his skills for Moroka Swallows.

Having witnessed the successes of individual players and the undeniable growth of the GDL, one wonders who will emerge from the 2024 season as a star of the future.

At Balfour Park, on Sunday, UP Tuks shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw with the defending champions of the GDL, Highlands Park. In a tactical battle, the defences made attacking football difficult and, when the sides managed to create opportunities, they failed to convert them.

In a post-match interview, Highlands Park captain Seth Van Wyk told SuperSport Schools he was disappointed that his side had not made use of the chances that came their way but, he said, his side would keep working hard, week in and week out.

“We have such a big target on our backs. We’ve won the GDL two times in a row. Obviously, there is a big target on our back. Everyone wants to beat us. If they beat us, they have the reputation that they have beaten Highlands Park, but we just keep our heads down. We stay humble and we keep working hard.”

After their opening draw, the Lions of the North face a stiff challenge from SuperSport United, who recently won the u19 title in the GDL Top 8.

Elsewhere across the province, football fields were buzzing as supporters embraced the start of the new season on Saturday. There were some emphatic wins and several disappointing showings.

East Rand Athletic Club, one of the promoted clubs, introduced themselves to the GDL by taking all three points off Wits Junior, who endured a rough and bumpy 2023 GDL season. The students will be keen to get back out on the field and score some points after going down 0-1.

At Naturena, Kaizer Chiefs FC thrilled by knocking five goals past Sevens Academy. Unfortunately, the game had to be abandoned because of severe lightning and thunderstorms. It was a disappointing ending to a fantastic performance from coach David Mathebula‘s boys.

In Pretoria, the season began with a Tshwane derby between Mamelodi Sundowns and Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sport School. Rosina took the game to Sundowns, but they came away disappointed after going down 0-2 against the Brazilians.

The thunderstorms and accompanying lightning forced many matches to be called off, including the match between SuperSport United and Jomo Cosmos. NWU Vaal, who made the final of the 2023 GDL Cup before earning promotion, had their game against Remember Elite Sports Academy called off, too, which was a blow for fans in the Vaal Triangle. Another match which wasn’t played was that between Randburg AFC and Panorama.

Results 

TS Galaxy 2-0 Joburg City
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Rosina
Highlands Park 0-0 UP Tuks
Kathorus Hyper Academy 0-0 School of Excellence
East Rand Athletic Club 1-0 Wits Junior

Kaizer Chiefs 5-0 Sevens Academy (Call off due to bad weather conditions)

Siya Pongco
error: Sorry ol' chap, those shenanigans are not permissible.