Raptors score big time at soccer awards

IT was a big day for small soccer stars when Raptors Soccer Academy held their awards ceremony at Outlook Church in Birdswood on Tuesday.

From tiny U3s to the mighty U13s, there were certificates and medals for every player who participated this last season.

Plus, there were a number of special awards for those who achieved that little bit extra and were nominated for trophies in various categories.

The prizes were presented in front of a packed audience comprising enthusiastic soccer moms, dads, grandparents and siblings, all filled with pride for the young footballers of the future.

Individual award winners:

‘Small but Mighty’– Alessio Gardini

‘Up and Coming Star’ – Tino Chademana U5

‘She’s Got Game’– Simishka Naidoo

‘Bravery’ – Amara Reddy ‘Fancy Footwork’ – Brayden Chetty ‘Most Coachable’ – Asimbonge Dube

‘Fearless’ – Ethan Robba ‘Most Versatile’ – Giuliana Pillay

‘Leadership’ – Joslyn Hall ‘Most Dependable – Mason Brown

‘Most Technical’ – Hanno Pretorius

‘Most Improved U7’ – Liam Chetty and Abongwe Sibisi ‘Most Improved U9’ – Blake Munian and Daniel da Silva ‘Most Improved U11’ – Kaylin Beniparsad and Yurav Gokul

‘Most Improved U13’ – Nihal Maharaj

‘Super Strikers’ – Brayden Chetty, Kai Hendry, Cody Lucas, Connor Thring, Zama Vilakati, Theresho Mamphoke ‘Mighty Midfielders’ – Jonathan Belcher, Kriyan Moodley, Breydon Vandayer ‘Dynamic Defenders’ – Bilaal Patel, Aleko Meduric, Liam Nair, Tyler Payn, Sabatha Nxumalo

‘Golden Glove’ – Gage Pillay, Tyler Potas, Nimalya Munien, Zusiphe Mapumulo, Donnell Kasoo, Heyden Potas, Hanno Pretorius

Already having learnt the fundamentals of the game, the U11 players can now express their own individual talents in match situations

Coach Mdu Mathenjwa and Raptors owner/coach Miki Meduric are proud of their U5 side who are all progressing with the basic skills they will continue to build on through the age groups

Tough U11 Ethan Robba was a worthy recipient of the ‘Fearless’ award

U3 player Alessio Gardini, who was named ‘Small but Mighty’ prize winner

Able to fill any position on the field, Giuliana Pillay was voted ‘Most Versatile’ player

The large group of U9 players who enjoyed an action-packed season

The U7 boys and girls are full of energy both on and off the field

The ‘Leadership’ award went to Joslyn Hall

The U13 squad comprises seasoned juniors