Crescent, Mashayitafula PnP National Champs
LOBAMBA – Crescent (Ezulwini) and Mashayitafula (Matsapha) Under-15 teams were yesterday crowned the national champions of the inaugural PnP/EFA Development Tournament.
The tournament is sponsored by the renowned retail outlet to the tune of E2.4 million for the development of the sport across the country in partnership with Eswatini Football Association (EFA).
This sponsorship is to be spread over three years and each edition taking over E800 000. The grand closing was held at Somhlolo National Stadium after a six-month long programme
U-15 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
BOYS:
Player of Tournament – Lunga Bhembe
Top Scorers -
Mthokozisi Dlamini (6 goals)
Buhlebetfu Dlamini (6 Goals)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Nhlanhla Mahlangu
Defender of the Tournament – Sikhondze
GIRLS:
Player of the Tournament –
Mbuyisa
Top Scorer – Telusile Mvila (3 goals)
Defender of the Tournament – Noncedo Mavuso
Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Mbuyisa
Wenzokuhle
Lindokuhle
Lindokuhle
of football activities for both the under-15 boys and girls.
The event was graced by the Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister, Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga.
The Crescent-based store pick team of juniors in the boys division was crowned the national champions of the tournament after beating The Gables-based-retail store pick team in an entertaining final by a 2-1 scoreline.
It was the champions who broke the deadlock against the run of play, when Sethu Ndege let fly a scorcher that rested on the far corner of the net. Dominating the pick team of champions were Mbabane Highlanders players, while the girls pick team was dominated by Ezulwini Catholic.
Gables levelled matters through Gcina Lukhele two minutes before the break after receiving a pass inside the box and made no mistake to slot the ball home.
Crescent continued to push for the second goal and they were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the game. Player of the Tournament Lunga Bhembe took the responsibility and scored the match winner.
Meanwhile, Mashayitafula were crowned champions under the girls’ category after beating Nhlangano 2-0 in the finals.
PERFORMANCE
On the other hand, EFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fredrick Mngomezulu said they were happy about the overall performance of the players during the tournament and they had selected 20 players from each group to form the core of the National Under-17s that will compete in 2024 international tournaments.
The EFA CEO highlighted that there were no monetary prizes in the juniors as the money was used for administrative issues such as buying of trophies, medals as well as buying food for the players.
He even made an example that even the recently ended 2022 COSAFA Under-20 Championships which were held in the country, there were monetary rewards.