Glendene United are the 2015 Metropolitan U-19 Premier Cup champions after beating J.L. Zwane 1-0 in a thrilling final at Erica Park in Belhar on Monday afternoon.
Midfielder, Abdulaleem Jacobs’s 8th minute strike was enough to seal victory for the Athlone-based side that had come all the way through the early qualifying rounds to emerge as the winners of the 27th edition of the most prestigious youth tournament on the South African football calendar.
There was very little to choose between the two sides over the 80 minutes and J. L. Zwane can return to their base in Gugulethu with their heads held high, having played a full part in a memorable final, played in front of a crowd in excess of 25 000.
In addition to the glittering trophy and shining medals, Glendene bagged R40 000 in prize money, while J.L. Zwane were awarded a cheque of R20 000 for their valiant efforts.
“Congratulations to the winners on a well-deserved victory. Once again, this tournament has been a resounding success for us as sponsors, not only in regard to our belief in the development of youth through football but also in the participation and contribution of the entire community towards making this event unique. It is an essential element of Metropolitan’s approach to engaging with its client base in ways that directly result in the upliftment of the areas in which we operate,” said MMI Executive for Brand and Corporate Affairs, Vuyo Lee.
Tournament director, P.J. Williams expressed his satisfaction with this year’s edition, particularly in respect of the performances of the non-academy teams. “I am extremely happy to see how the amateur club teams have excelled in the tournament,” he said. “Our reason for existing in the first place is to unearth and nurture football among the youth in our communities and to see so many sides that came through the qualifying stages doing so well is a source of great pride to all involved in the event. We are deeply appreciative our partners, Metropolitan for their continued support over 25 years. They have trusted us to deliver on one of their core principles, which is to foster substantial development in communities at grassroots level and have a positive influence on the lives of the people who live in in them.”
As part of their CIS initiatives, Metropolitan also handed over a cheque for R10 000 to the Sultan Bahu Centre, a drug rehabilitation facility in Mitchell’s Plain, centred around curbing drug abuse that has assisted over 3000 people under the age of 30 since its inception in 2005.
Prior to the main match, SuperSport United won the Mid-Section final, beating Hellenic 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Matsatsantsa lifted the Dullah Omar Memorial trophy and took home a cheque of R4500 in prize money.
Ajax Cape Town gave some joy to their fans when they beat Blue Downs Spurs 3-0 to win the Plate final, earning R3500 in prize money and a trophy.
A number of individual awards were handed out for outstanding performance during the tournament:
Referee of the series (R2000 plus trophy): Abonglie Tom
Team of the series (R2000 plus trophy): Glendene United
Player of the series (R3000 plus trophy): Mihlali Mayambela (J. L. Zwane)
Manager of the series (R2000 plus trophy): Mxokozeu Dicks Mvuyisi (Glendene United)
Coach of the series (R2000 plus trophy): Thando Sodinga (J.L. Zwane)
Most promising amateur team (R2250 plus trophy): Blue Downs Spurs
Goalkeeper of the series (R2000 plus trophy): Bulela Cola (Glendene United)
Top goal scorer (R2000 plus trophy): Kwanele Zulu (Supersporrt United) – 7 goals
Quickest goal (R1000 plus trophy): Levy Mashiane (Supersport United)
First hattrick (R1000 plus trophy): Dylan Stoffels (Amazulu)