This morning, Masitandane Football Club qualified for the Last 16 of the well-attended Bayview Under-16 tournament currently ongoing at the Strandfontein Sports Complex. Cape At 6 Sport reporter Joshua Hendricks caught up with the Nyanga-based side to find out how they did it – and what’s next.

“This is a huge tournament, and it’s been a great experience for us, playing here in Strandfontein at the Bayview u16 Tournament,” Masithandane Head Coach Charles Mthsotwana noted. 

The Nyanga based side came through their group with two wins and a draw. 

“I’m glad that we only conceded one goal after three games within the group stage. Now we are into the Last Sixteen of the competition, where we will come up against the teams that ended first in the other groups.” 

It wasn’t always easy. In their last game they had a goal disallowed against the tournament hosts, Bayview Football Club – to the dismay of most supporters on the sideline. Coming through that adversity and getting enough points to qualify for the next round is a big feat, given the ups and downs of that last encounter.   

“So I’m happy for my boys because they have made us proud. We come from an environment like Nyanga, but still the boys did well and pushed on. Very happy for them right now, that’s all I can say. “

Masithandane FC Captain Khanya Sigenene echoed that sentiment, with the boys singing in the background with great excitement and jubilation.

“We played a good game, against all odds and at first we didn’t know what to do,” said Sigenene.  “As a team we just came together and fought till the end.” 

They’re thankful for what they have achieved so far, Sigenene noted – but they’re not done yet.  

“This already means a lot to us as it is our first time in this tournament, but I feel that we should go all the way.” 

All the way? How far could they possibly go?

“We are going to the final,” was the captain’s response, with a huge smile and background singing of his teammates. “And we will win it.

Edited by Nicklaus Kruger