GDL Preview: Clash at the summit of the GDL table
Over 20 matches have passed, and the first team football of the Gauteng Development League (GDL), which is essentially the u19 division, continues to present challenges. Five teams, including the defending champions, Highlands Park, are in the title race.
Coach Sfiso Mnguni, who secured the GDL title in both 2023 and 2024 with the Lions of the North, may very well be in contention for yet another GDL title for a third time. Currently, Highlands Park is positioned third, just two points behind the log leaders, the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns, who are at the top with 48 points. Highlands Park has found themselves in a similar situation recently, and this year they are among the top five teams vying for the prestigious GDL title.
The teams in contention include SuperSport United, currently in fifth place with 45 points, tied with Vaal’s finest, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), who occupy the fourth position. Highlands Park is steadily climbing the table in third place, trailing Randburg AFC, who have delivered some of the best performances in this year’s GDL. Their coach, Skhosiphi Mgobozi has praised his players as a unique group of talented individuals. Recently, Randburg AFC, in their quest for a title, has made their ambitions clear by appointing the legendary figure of African football, former Kaizer Chiefs and Zambian international Collins Mbesuma, as their new striker coach.
Dedicated enthusiasts of South African football will undoubtedly recall Mbesuma for his record-setting 35-goal season with the Glamour Boys during the 2004/5 PSL season. Some may also remember his tenure in the Premier League with Portsmouth FC and his role in Zambia’s victorious 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad. Mbesuma contributes a wealth of experience as both a player and a coach to the Randburg team, being one of the five players to have scored over 100 PSL goals. Among these players are Bradley Grobler, who has netted 114 goals and continues to play for Sekhukhune United this season in the Betway Premiership, Daniel Mudau with 110 goals, Mabhuti Khenyeza with 110 goals, and Manuel ‘Tico Tico’ Bucuane, who has scored 104 goals.
At Randburg, Mbesuma will apply his knowledge to the younger age groups. This demonstrates the commitment and seriousness of all teams in the GDL as they strive to secure the prestigious Gauteng and South African development title.
This Sunday, at home and with live coverage provided by SuperSport Schools, Randburg will face RESA. Points are at stake, and both teams have the opportunity to move closer to the coveted number one position.
Highlands Park, located in Balfour Park, will host Rockefvs, who currently sit in 14th place. Realistically, this presents a challenging match for the visiting team – however, as we have witnessed recently, anything can happen in football. The latest example is Kathorus Hyper Academy, which has surprised the GDL by defeating several so-called giants such as Sundowns and securing valuable points.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns will welcome East Rand Athletic Club at their home ground in Clapham High, Pretoria. East Rand Athletic Club has endured a particularly difficult season. After 21 matches, they find themselves in a disappointing second-to-last position, 17th overall, just six points ahead of Elspark United Academy, which has managed to gather only 7 points from 22 games. Given the current standings, it is clear that Mamelodi Sundowns will enter this match against East Rand Athletic Club as the favourites, especially considering the significant home advantage they will enjoy.
Additionally, SuperSport United will be monitoring the table closely over the weekend while also facing Sevens Academy at Curro Sagewood.
In other fixtures, Kathorus Hyper Academy, which has recently earned the title of giant slayer, will face TS Galaxy at Huntersfield Stadium. Joburg City will be facing Eslpark United at the Greek Sporting Club.
The Phefeni Boys Glamour Boys, who have unexpectedly dropped to sixth place in the standings, will host the School of Excellence at Kazier Chiefs Village at Naturena on Saturday.
Wits Junior will be up against Tuks at Marks Park, where The Students enjoys a home ground advantage. Although this does not necessarily ensure an easy victory, they should aim to capitalise on this advantage and secure maximum points at home.
u19 GDL Fixtures: Saturday, 23 August
Clapham High
14:30 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs East Rand Athletic Club
Balfour Park
14:30 – Highlands Park vs Rockefvs
Marks Park
14:30 – Wits Junior vs Tuks
Huntersfield Stadium
14:30 – Kathorus vs TS Galaxy
Kaizer Chiefs Village
14:00 – Kaizer Chiefs vs School of Excellence
Greek Sporting Club
15:00 – Joburg City vs Elspark United
Curro Sagewood
15:00 – SuperSport United vs Sevens Academy
Sunday, 24 August
15:00 – Randburg vs RESA
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