The Sakhulutsha Youth Development programme is sending 18 young players up to Johannesburg today to take part in the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge, which started on Monday this week.
The Sakhulutsha Youth Development programme is sending 18 young players up to Johannesburg today to take part in the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge, which started on Monday this week.
Coach Hezi Hlungwane said the players making up their team, ranging from U11 to U17, are mostly from Sakhulutsha.
Three boys from New Town City are also on the squad, as well as one each from Lingelihle Stars, Eleven Attackers and Young Killers.
Earlier this week Hlungwane said their preparations were going well.
"I am very happy to be part of the squad that will play against the academies of big teams and I can't wait," said Sakhulutsha central midfielder Lusanda Joni, 13.
"The preparations have been positive and this is my first time going to such a tournament, I don't want to miss it."
Striker Masonwabe Dube, 16, says he wants to break a record by scoring as many goals as he can. "Scoring against Chiefs and Wits will be a lifetime achievement for me," he added.
The club's technical head, Siyabonga Masinda, said the boys have been working hard and are in high spirits.
Masinda said the team had planned to go to the Challenge last year, but ultimately couldn't afford to go. This year Sakhulutsha has made getting to national tournaments a priority, though.
Hlungwane said they're using money from their own pockets, which is a challenge, "but we are trying our best to make it successful".
In the end it's all for the kids and a great opportunity, Masinda says.
"This is great exposure for our boys to showcase their talent at a national level. We will be representing the Eastern Cape in this tournament and it's a great opportunity."
Sakhulutsha has four fixtures lined up against: Wizzy Kids FC on 11 December, Superboys FC (13 December), Pimville Cameroon FC (15 December) and Kaizer Chiefs FC (19 December).
If Sakhulutsha win all their matches they'll go on to play in the semi-finals. A total of 40 teams from across the country are expected to take part in the tournament.
The Challenge, which is a platform for development soccer players to perform, takes place at the Nike Football Centre in Pimville, Soweto.
The tournament finals take place on 27 December.
