Amakhosi Under 15s took first place in the inaugural SAFA Technical Development Scheme tournament, held at the Panorama grounds over the weekend.

The competition featured teams from each of the nine provinces, plus academy sides from Kaizer Chiefs, KZN Academy, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, the School of Excellence and the Pitso Mosimane Schools Academy.

Having successfully negotiated the group phase on Saturday, Amakhosi faced Gauteng Province in the semifinals the following day, where they came through a stern test of their mettle, holding their nerve to progress to the final by winning 4-2 on penalties after the teams drew 1-1.

Later in the day, the Kaizer Chiefs youngsters gave a masterclass in the showpiece match to emerge victorious over a very decent KZN Province team by two goals to one.

Striker, Lesego Hlope’s lethal finishing earned him the top goal scorer accolade, for which he was rewarded with a glittering trophy.

“The development of young players is a very important aspect of the Club’s overall strategy and a lot of hard work is being done in order to produce the level of excellence we have seen this weekend,” said a very pleased Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr. “Congratulations to the boys and the coaches not only for winning the tournament, but for the impressive manner in which they did it. The quality of football they produced reaffirms our commitment to the highest standards of youth development.”

The exploits of the team were recognised by the selection of five Amakhosi players for the South African Under 15 team, namely Hlope, Royce Malatji, Steven Mendes, Bokamoso Mokokosi and Tashile Ruganan, who will go on to represent Kaizer Chiefs on the international stage.

Well done to the boys! You have done yourselves and the Club proud!