SUPERSPORT U19 TOURNAMENT

The Maritzburg United U19 team were unlucky not to make the quarter finals of the Super Sports U19 Tournament. Interestingly Platinum Stars and Soweto Selected 11 that eventually played finals, were from the same group as us, with Stars winning the trophy for second successive time.

They lost to the School of Excellence by an odd goal and beat the Zambian outfit, Afrisport F.C. with a solitary goal, United blew their chances when they lost 2-0 to the Selected 11 in a controversial game that left scars in the squad, said Head of Development and Coach of the Team Katz Naidoo. We scored in the third minute of the game from a set piece with the referee pointing to the spot only for the lineslady to disallow the goal, added Katz.They were also awarded a dubious penalty. This psychologically impacted on the team.

In our last game against the title holders Stars and eventual winners, we frightened them with a stunning performance with the cross bar coming to their rescue, from certain defeat. The game ended in a draw a goal apiece.

However the tournament gave emergence to young Andile Gabisa who was voted our player of the Tournament, with outstanding performances in all four games. Seventeen year old Andile who normally operates at right back had a stormer at centre back. Two players from our U17 squad were also part of the travelling squad. they were goal keeper Mlungisi Mazibuko and right sided midfielder Luleka Khanyile.

WE HAVE A “AMAJIMBO”

Jabulani Ncobeni affectionately known by all at the club as “JB”, got a call up by the U17 National Coach Moloi. He will attending a camp in Gauteng in preparation for a home fixture against Malawi. He leaves on the 22 August 2008.

“JB” first caught the eye of Coach Moloi when the our Academy team played them in friendly game in their preparation for a friendly international against Zimbabwe. In this game we held them to goal less draw. He further impressed the U17 technical staff at the recent Super Sports U19 Tounament held at Pimville, Soweto.

“JB” plays either as a left sided midfielder and is equally comfortable in an offensive role in the centre of midfield.

His team mates and all at the club wishes “JB” a successful camp and may he score a goal or two for the “AMAJIMBOS” in their official fixture against Malawi.

Maritzburg United centre back Mbemba Sylla from Guinea was on hand advising Jabulani “JB” Ncobeni when this picture was taken. “JB”s Coach and Head of Development, Katz Naidoo looks on.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

The Chairman’s Monthly Player awards for July 2008 were received by Tristin Wood U13, U15 award was awarded to Derrick Mkhize and the award for the U17’s was given to Simingaye Ntuli. The U19 monthly award went to right back, Luvuyo Mathanda for his outstanding contributions for the month.

The awards are based on their overall performance, commitment to training which includes punctuality and above all their attitude and behaviour during training and matches.

The July 2008 award winners from left to right, Simingaye Ntuli U17, Derrick Mkhize U15 and Tristin Wood U13 pose with their coaches standing behind from left to right, Themba Dlamini U17, Dumisani Hlope U15 and Simo Msomi U13.

U19 recipient Luvuyo Mathanda poses with his award together with his team mates from the Academy team.

DEVELOPMENT COACHES

U17 Coach Themba Dlamini just completed his last phase in his Level One Coaching exams. He is confident that he will pass and his looking forward to the challenge of the Level Two two years from now.

The course was a eye opener and he now values the Principles of Training and the other theoretical information. Another factor that helped was the planning of training sessions that is a demand in our programme which eased planning, because we do it daily, added Themba.

He is looking forward to taking his sessions to a another level and increase the performance of this players.

U17 Coach Themba Dlamini