Posted in News on Jul 23, 2003.
The Amakhosi under-15 side will now meet Charlton in the semifinals later today (Thursday). Victory will see them play either Maccabi Haifa, who beat Tyrone 3-0 on the same day, or County Armagh the 4-3 victors over NK Factor.
The final will be staged on Friday at Roe Mill 1, Limavady.
MILK CUP TOURNAMENT REPORT
BACKGROUND:
It was indeed a worthy experience for both players and the delegation. It was an opportunity that parents and players were overwhelmed and expressed a hearty gratitude, particularly to the chairman of the club, Kaizer Motaung and the entire management by providing a stage that will go down memory lane and history of the youth development.
THE EVENTS AS THEY UNFOLDED
DAY1
We were welcomed by the member of the Milk cup committee Mr John Hart on arrival at Belfast International Airport in Northern Ireland. The media was also present. The entire team was bussed to Glenavon house hotel about 100km from the airport. The reception from the hotel manager Paula, was very warm and welcoming.
Not much transpired on the day except to indicate that after dinner at 21h30.
They gave us the "plague of the city" and each pendant was given to all players and the delegation. We had a late sleep after a long and tedeous trip of approximately 24hrs.
DAY2
Breakfast at 8hoo in the morning ,earnest preparation began- boys were taken for a light training at 10h00 in the morning for an hour. After lunch boys were taken to a place called "Omagh" about 50km away from Glenavon hotel were we resided . Omagh is a heritage site with historical significance about the Irish and the Americans. We were back at the hotel at 19h00 and had an early sleep.
DAY3
Match report 1 Chiefs-1 Tyrone -1
Goal scorer:Michael "Skappie" Nkambule
Our opening game was played against a youthful side which was very physical at play. Our boys gave good account of themselves by showcasing an African flair . The game was indeed an exhibition of skill..During the first 20 min.
The Tyrones were chasing their shadows. At half time we had a stalemate 0-0.In the second stanza of the game with the defence blunder the Tyrone got an opening goal 0-1 lead. Ten min. After Michael Nkambule gave a spectacular goal, "Beckham style" from the free kick awarded in our
favour.
Game ended at one all.
DAY4
We checked out Glenavon hotel at 9h15 on Sunday morning after breakfast.
We were booked at Bellycastle Marine hotel until the end of the tournament. At 15h00 (UK time) We went to a parade to mark the official opening of the event which was held at Coleraine stadia.
The occassion was graced by Brazilian legend Branco who officially opened the tournament. A number of national teams participated in the tournament, to name a few Brazil, Peruguay, Denmark, Poland & Northern Ireland.
The tournament is the replica of the world cup tournament. At 17h00 a glittering function was held at Ulster university attended by high profile officials from Irish football association and 2 delegates from the 56 teams participating, members of the organising committee. Each team was given a"momento" in a form of Irish crystal mini cup. Occassion ended at 22h00.
DAY5
Match : Dundalk-2 Chiefs-1
Goalscorer: M."Skappie" Nkambule
What a cracker of the game played in a rained soaked pitch. We conceeded 2 silly goals in the first 4minutes of the game. Skappie from the middle of the park took four defenders single handedly and what a screamer of a goal reducing the score to 2-1 Dundalk lead. The second half was marred by rain.
We were disallowed a penalty when the ball was handled in the penalty area, that would have change the game completely. We created scoring chances but poor finishing . Game ended at 2-1.
Substitute: out Timothy Nkosi (50 min)
In Happy Zikhali
DAY6
Match 3: Birmingham -3 Chiefs -4
Goals: Walter "Giggs" Nkosi
Happy "Mzeke" Zikhali
Musa "The General" Mthembu
Michael "Skappie" Nkambule
The game started at fast pace both teams playing attacking football. Two goals were scored in the first 6 minutes. Of the game. Boys stringing 7 passes without losing it to the delight of the spectators and scouts from Chelsea & Manchester United. At half time the score was 2-1 Chiefs lead.
Two goals were scored in the second half and we had a comfortable lead of four goals to one. Last ten minutes of the game defence was caught napping with two aerial balls the score was reduced to 4-3 .
Our type of play had everyone's tongue wagging. In last night's Function held at Ballymoney City hall, Jim Weir the secretary of the organising committee of the 56 teams participating singled out with praise the gallant performance and the exhibition of skill displayed by our boys and confessed that he has never seen such skill in a long time and urged the 55 delegates not to leave without at least watching one of our games.
We have finished second in our group with 4 points in 3 games and qualified for quarterfinals in the BT cup. We outplayed Swindon Town yesterday, the game ended at stalemate, we went for penalties and won 8 - 7. This afternoon at 13Hrs, we play against Charlton Athletics.
Goal scorers: Mondli Miya, Michael Nkambule, Happy Zikhali, Ronald Maila, Mandla Khoza, Timothy Nkosi, Musa Mthembu, Mlungisi Mbonambi.
