MARITZBURG DEVELOPMENT WING

ANNUAL AWARDS FUNCTION

The MUFC Development Wing had their first Annual awards Function at the Maritzburg East Bowling Club. The outstanding achievement awards handed out included Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and the Highest Goal Scorer in all four age groups.

The Chairman in his address stressed the role of football development and the importance the Club places in this department. He also appealed to parents to play a role in the balanced growth of their children. To the players in the programme he asked that they ensure there is a balance in their Football Education and Academic pursuit.

(Back) Director Imraan Kadodia and Chairman Farook Kadodia with ( front, from left) the Club’s Development Players of the Year, Fabian Le Bon (U17), Qiniso Mahlobo (U15), Badile Shandu (U13) and Mfanelo Mbambo (U17)

The recipients for the other achievements on the programme were as follows;  

MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS

Under 13 Msomi lungelo

Under 15 Cele Njabulo

Under 17 Mzila Mbongisi

Under 19 Gabisa Andile

HIGHEST GOAL SCORERS

Under 13 Tomlison Kyle

Under 15 Mhlophe Steve

Under 17 Donnely Ronaldo

Under 19 Nkukuleko Mbili

The Club’s Marketing Director Mr. Abu Khatib is seen presenting the award for the U19’s Most Improved Player, Andile Gabisa. Andile is currently studying at Vocational High School and is in grade 11.

He is seventeen years old and plays at right back. He is technically gifted, versatile and operates as a wing back when called upon. Although does not command a regular starting place but contributes hugely to the team’s effort when called to do so.



Mr. Abu Khatib is seen presenting Kyle Tomlison with his Highest Goal Scoring award. Kyle was a prolific scorer for his Under 13 Team. He is twelve years old.

Kyle comes from a football family where his grand father coached and managed one of the Midlands top teams on the 70’s and early 80’s, Ajax Football Club. His uncles, known as the Tomlison Brothers were well know players.  

Kyle’s long term goal is play for Maritzburg United and Bafana. Aaccording to his Coach Dumisani Hlope, he has the desire, commitment and the talent to achieve his goal..


The Chairman’s Awards were extended to four volunteers who have contributed to social projects that were held at various venues in the Midlands and beyond. In the picture below, Chairman Mr. Farook Kadodia is presenting Sue Schalulwyk, her recognition award for her support and commitment to our social efforts.






Mark Strydom the Sports Writer from the Natal Witness and S A Soccer is seen flanked by the guest speaker Ranjin Bharath (left) and Club’s Marketing Director Mr. Abu Khatib. Mark was one of the dignitaries present.

All the players on the Programme were also presented with a “Certificate of Achievement” and Medals for their commitment and performance for 2007. In the above picture the U13 Coach, Dumisani Hlope his seen with some of his charges which also include U15 squad members.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT

UNDER 13

The squad has been in training since January 2008 and will kick off their competitive campaign on the 26 April 2008. They have won the Knock Out Cup in 2007 and emerged runners up in the League, Coach Hlope believes he can do the double in 2008. He has recruited four players in the off season and released two players. The team is affiliated to the Maritzburg and District Football Association.

The side has been involved in a number of friendly games and have won them all, with latest result against Mafikeng Football Academy being 12-2 in their favour.

UNDER 15

Coach Simo Msomi is looking forward a more productive 2008 having only won the Associations annual Five-a-Sde Tournament. He has also signed on two players and released three because of the lack of continunity of their part. The squads competitive season also begins as the U13 team and are affiliated to the same Association.

The team have also been involved in a number of friendly games and have excelled in all of them. There season also commences on the 26 April 2008.

UNDER 17

The 2007 League Champions will defend their title on the 26 April 2008. Coach Themba Dlamini had to bolster his squad with departure of Ronaldo Donnely, Sphmandla Luthuli and Dlungwane Mukelani who have been drafted into the U19 Academy squad.

Players that were identified during talent identification exercise in December 2007, they are:

1. Andile Ntshangase
2. Malusi Zondi
3. Bheki Dlamini

Colvel Khehla formerly with the U15 team has been promoted to the U17 team. Coach Themba is upbeat about the season ahead. His squad has been involved in a number of friendly games as well as against the Academy team.

UNDER 19

The academy have had a glorious run to date, having won their stream in the Metropolitan Cup unbeaten. They are the 2007 title holders and looking forward to retaining the Cup in 2008. The play-offs for the Cup is scheduled for the 03 May 2008. MUFC will be competing with three other stream winners.

Herewith is the League Table for their stream as at 17 April 2008.

The side also had a highly successful Easter Tournament in Pietermaritzburg, played from the 21 to the 24 March 2008. Participating in group A for a R100 000.00 purse, they lost in the semi finals to eventual winners, Sobantu Lions F.C.

They were outstanding from the outset and accounted for teams plying their trade in the Castle League on their way to the semi-finals. Their conquerers play in the Castle League. They have left their mark with football followers in the region.

Some five players from this squad are currently involved in first team activities and play in the Reserve League on a regular basis. The senior technical staff headed by Head Coach, Ian Palmer is pleased with their progress and supports the development initiatives of the Chairman, Mr. Farook Kadodia.

  NATIONAL CALL UPS

Sifiso “Jemba” Dlamini is currently in the squad of 24 players in the “Coca-Cola All Stars” team that are being prepared for a tour to Europe.

“Jemba’ operates as a central defencive midfielder and plays a vital role to the team’s overall success to-date. Strong, fearless, tireless and tactically aware.

He has been recruited by the Club from Umzinto on the South Coast and almost immediately established himself as a regular in the Academy squad.

He is in grade 11 and attends a School in Pietermaritzburg. He was identified during the Coco-Cola Schools Tournament held in Durban recently.

Offensive midfielder Ayanda “Jukes” Ndlovu has been selected for the MTN National U17 team. “Jukes” as he is popularly known, hails from Ashdown in the greater Edendale area of Pietermaritzburg.

A highly technically and tactically gifted player with a big appetite for game. Head Coach Ian Palmer regards “Jukes” as one of the future heavy weights in the MUFC future teams.

He is currently attending Mehlokazulu High School in Imbali and is in grade 11.

With all being equal “Jukes” has a illustrious career ahead of him.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

 

Nhlanhla “John” Sithole was voted Player of the Month for March 2008. “John” is the mainstay in the academy team and plays as a central defender. He is well balanced, technically and tactically gifted. He earned the award for his excellent performances in the Metropolitan and Easter Tournament. He is seen receiving the award from Coach Simo and watched by his fellow team mates.

 

In the picture above learners from the Ekukhanyeni pose with the coaches from MUFC.