Posted in News on Mar 30, 2009.
Boca Juniors lifted the trophy thanks to a 2-0 victory over Esperance in the final with strikes from Kevin Genaro in the 39th minute and Crispiano Rodriguez killed the game with a fine effort from outside the penalty area to become the inaugural Gauteng Future Champions winners.
“It is important that our youth are exposed to international tournaments at an early stage of their development,” said the Chiefs MD who was a guest of Gauteng MEC for Arts Sports and Culture Barbara Creecy. “And I think this tournament will also send a strong message to the world that South Africa is ready.”
About his brave team that defied heavy odds in a tournament that featured teams from India (PICA); Green City (China); Inter Milan (Italy); Corinthians (Brazil); Esperance (Tunisia); Notwane (Botswana) and K. Stars (Zambia), Motaung had nothing but praise for his U-17 team.
“We showed that we can stand our ground against teams from Asia, Europe and even South America,” said Motaung. “And I think with a little bit of luck my boys could have shaded this game instead of losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout to Inter Milan.”
Inter Milan claimed third spot in the tournament after handing Kaizer Chiefs their second penalty shoot-out reverse within 24 hours. On Friday, Chiefs were eliminated from the competition by Boca Juniors, and this time the Kaizer Chiefs youngsters were pipped 4-3 after the match ended 2-all.
Thembani Nkomo opened the scoring in the 21st minute, but the Italians showed character and used their energy in the hot conditions to the fullest, with Ricardo Cocuzza equalizing 17 minutes after halftime.
Miscommunication between Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Andile Khaula and his defence allowed Roberto Candido to pounce on the ball on the edge of the Amakhosi penalty area and to slot home wide of a diving Khaula with 10 minutes remaining.
The goal seemed to spring new life into the Kaizer Chiefs players who immediately went on the attack and with the Inter Milan defence unable to clear the ball, Maselaelo Seanego scored from close range which brought the crowd to life, and penalty kicks beckoning.
In the penalty-shoot out phase, Milan goalkeeper Matteo Meioni pulled off two fine saves from spot kicks taken by Nkululeko Tshange and Pule Matlhong, after Amakhosi No 1 Khaula had saved the Italian club’s first penalty kick taken by Daniel Bessa.
Refilwe Jane (Emshukantambo), Suiderberg High School’s Frans Kekana and Koketso Motshopi (ERSA) were the three players who received the highest marks during the Talent Identification Programme held at the same venue.
Organizer Ray Whelan promised a bigger, better event next year and revealed that they have already started planning for next year’s edition of the tournament and details will be released soon.
