The Clever Boys Academy outplay Black Aces.
The Bidvest Wits Academy under-18 soccer team successfully defended their title against Black Aces FC at the Engen Knockout Challenge on the weekend, July 19 to 21.
Wits opened the match with a goal in the first three minutes setting the pace for the game which was played at the Wits Marks Parks ground in Emmarentia, Johannesburg. Thando Jacobs put the Witsies ahead leaving Black Aces on the defensive for most of the first half.
Wits opened the second half with another goal courtesy of Lungelo Dondolo in the 38th minute. After a hand ball by Wits, Black Aces had a golden opportunity to come back with a free kick but failed to find the back of the net.
Aces coach Charles Jacobs told Wits Vuvuzela his team were tired out towards the end of the match but played very well throughout the tournament. “We wanted to go as far as possible and we did. The Bidvest boys were well organised and it was a big challenge to play against them,” said Jacobs.
Wits coach Caeser Maphalla said he was happy with his team’s victory. “It’s the greatest thing as a coach and I’m proud of them,” he said.
The Wits team won R20 000 as champions of the tournament. Maphalla said the team’s management is still to decide how to spend the winnings but he hopes that it will go to the boys who struggle with transportation.
Wits’ Rowen Lancaster and Maphalla won player and coach of the tournament respectively. As finalists, both Bidvest Wits and Black Aces qualify to compete at next year’s Engen Knockout Challenge.
FEATURED IMAGE: Bidvest Wits boys celebrate winning the Engen Knockout Challenge. Photo: Courtesy Engen Soccer.