Kaizer Chiefs’ Under-17s qualified for the 2016 Future Champions Gauteng International Tournament. This came as a result of the Amakhosi winning their group in the qualifying tournament, called the Future Champions Gauteng Cup.

The under-17s won all their group games. However, the Chiefs youngsters failed to progress to the final, losing out to Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinal.

Striker Siyabonga Hlengwe was in fantastic form, scoring seven goals, while winger Nathi Nzama was explosive and dangerous on the wing. Wiseman Meyiwa was excellent in the holding role in midfield.

“The boys did well,” reflects Amakhosi’s Under-17s coach Arthur Zwane. “I am proud of them, especially for the way we qualified. We created lots of chances, scoring ten goals in three games.”

Zwane is looking forward to the Future Champions Gauteng International Tournament, which will be held from 14 to 19 March at the Nike Centre, Pimville.

Among the international teams participating are Spain’s Atletico Madrid, Belgium’s Club Brugge, Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro, China’s Shandong Luneng, Mexico’s Club Tijuana and the defending champions from Italy, Torino.

“To play in this Future Champions International Tournament is great for the boys,” Zwane looks ahead. “It will be good to see where they stand at the international youth level and they will gain a lot of experience as well thanks to playing against their counterparts from clubs like Atletico Madrid and Torino.”