Over the weekend, families, friends and Mamelodi Sundowns supporters were treated to high-octane displays as the inaugural edition of the Volkswagen (VW) Vaya Cup soccer tournament at the University of Witwatersrand took center stage.
The club’s Under-16 girls and Under-13 boys teams delivered exciting performances across the group stages and knockout phases to emerge as overall winners.
The girls’ team who played under the name – Bidvest McCarthy VW Constantia – were coached by the Sundowns Ladies trio of Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Rhoda Mulaudzi and Andile Dlamini.
One of the standout performers of the tournament was Constantia captain Katlego Malebane. The youngster famously featured as one of the ball girls at the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final which South Africa won against Morocco earlier this year.
Speaking after receiving the Player of the tournament, Katlego said “It’s a privilege to be named as the most outstanding player. I couldn’t have gained this recognition without the support of my teammates, coaches and technical staff. Thanks to my family also for their continuous support.”
Sundowns Ladies midfielder Lerato Kgasago was in attendance to support the young boys and girls, “This victory amplifies the efforts of Mamelodi Sundowns in promoting grassroots football across South Africa. I am very proud of the girls and boys who have already bought into the club’s winning philosophy. Bravo to all coaches including my teammates Andisiwe, Rhoda Mulaudzi and Andile for doing a very solid job.”
Coach Lunga Nobela was overjoyed after leading the Under-13 boys (Lindsay Saker Midrand) to top honours.
“I am so emotional today because these boys deserve the title due to the sacrifices they made during the preparation for this tournament. Special thanks to the Mamelodi Sundowns management for the support and for ensuring that we had the best arrangements before the commencement of this tournament. I am very confident in the ability of these boys and I cannot wait to see them dominate the headlines in the nearest future. I am also thankful to the families of the youngsters for making them available even when the timing was not pleasant. They are also part of the success story that we are celebrating today,” Coach Lunga stated.
Congratulations to the Mamelodi Sundowns youth development sides for a job well done.
Congratulations are in order champs!!!!! Keep up the good work and keep on emulating the senior teams which are all about dominating and winning matches. We are proud of your achievements . Take a well-deserved break and have a good festive season and come back all refreshed for another season of good football. We will always be behind you through thick and thin