Mamelodi Sundowns youth development sides enjoyed a solid opening day at the inaugural edition of the Volkswagen (VW) Vaya Cup soccer tournament.
The girls’ team known as Bidvest McCarthy VW Constantia cruised through Group A group stages with a perfect record, scoring 14 goals and conceding just twice.
Thus, the team led by Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Rhoda Mulaudzi and Andile Dlamini has reached the semi-final of the competition.
Coach Mulaudzi was pleased with the confidence displayed by the youngsters on the opening day.
“So far, I am very happy with the performance of our young girls at the tournament. We won our first match by a 3-2 score line, and in the next two games we registered comprehensive 4-0 and 7-0 victories. It shows how much the girls are settling into the competition and we are looking forward to the semi-finals and final games. We are confident of our chances in this tournament and we are not taking any opponent for granted,” Rhoda stated.
Recently crowned Hollywoodbets Coach of the Year, Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala was in attendance to support the youngsters.
“I am very excited about the organization of the competition and I hope we have these kinds of tournaments more frequently because they allow the youngsters to develop faster as well as gain much-needed exposure outside their comfort zones. The more they play in these tournaments, the better for their growth. I am also impressed by the way the young coaches are handling the team and educating the youngsters on how to circulate the ball in key areas as well as rotate the squad. To finish Group A with a perfect record and score 14 goals speaks volumes of the attacking philosophy instilled by Andisiwe, Rhoda and Andile,” Kappa stated.
The Mamelodi Sundowns Under-13 boys team known as Lindsay Saker Midrand also cruised through their group with minimal fuss. The Coach Lunga Nobela-led side topped Group A with seven points, scoring eight goals and conceding just three times.
Coach Lunga was full of praise for his team who also secured their place in the knockout phase of the tournament.
“It is a great opportunity for us to participate in this tournament and we thank God for making this competition a reality. The boys have been fantastic so far and they have shown everyone what they can do at such a young age. Although we are referred to as Lindsay Saker Midrand at the tournament, we are representing Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and it is a privilege to be in the knockout stage of the competition,” said coach Nobela.
The winner of this year’s inaugural tournament will secure the coveted VW Vaya Cup as well as team prizes. The winning boys and girls teams will also attend a bespoke international training camp in 2023 sponsored by Volkswagen.
We wish Bidvest McCarthy VW Constantia and Lindsay Saker Midrand all the best on Sunday!!!
