The results speak for themselves, the Zimasa u14 Friendship Cup is growing bigger and better.
Not only has the tournament been attracting more clubs and sponsors, but it has also made great strides in bridging the divide and creating a platform for rising footballer to showcase their talents.
Consequently, last year’s Player of the Tournament winner is currently in the development team of Premier Soccer League outfits Supersport United, and another one is in the School of Excellence in Pretoria, according to tournament director Mziyanda “Dzi” Pawuli. “That is testimony that we are enriching the minds of the young bloods and we are offering them opportunities to play for big academies in the country,” Pawuli commented.
The tournament, sanctioned by Safa Cape Town, was started in 2016 by Zimasa Stars FC in Khayelitsha Football Association “to give children an opportunity to play soccer regardless of their skill levels and to offer them opportunities to play against clubs from different communities”. The club is in partnership with Aselihle Media and Manga Biz Entertainment, and is sponsored by Laurus Sport and Debonairs Pizza.
This year’s edition, which was concluded last weekend, saw 24 clubs from around Cape Town battling it out for the exciting prizes. In the end, Ulana Academy from Mandalay Local Football Association defended the title they won last year after beating Liverpool Portland of Mitchells Plain 5-0 in the final. Hustluz from New Crossroads finished third. In the Plate section, Mahlangu Stars from Mandela Park emerged victorious after beating Goal Hunters from the host LFA.
Pawuli said their goal is to grow the event to attract teams from other provinces and to a stepping ladder to international scene. “We are on the right track and we will get there.”
