Sakhulutsha Youth Academy football tournament for Joza

Sakhulutsha Youth Academy is set to host a football tournament at JD Dlepu Stadium in Joza tomorrow (Saturday).

The tournament is part of pre-season preparation for both the players and coaches, and offers football fans a bit of “shibobo” enjoyment.

The tournament is open to all ages and skill levels.

The draw for the tournament is set to take place at the Duna library in Joza from 6pm to 7pm today.

A floating trophy, cash prizes for podium positions, and medals are to be handed out at the end of the tournament.

“We are expecting teams from in and around Grahamstown, with Riebeek East, Coombs and Salem Football Clubs participating”, says Siyabonga Masinda, coach of Sakhulutsha Youth Academy.

“The tournament is part of our fund-raising venture to raise money for our December trip to Jo’burg, where we will be participating in the Discovery Under-17 tournament.

It is a good opportunity for local boys to rub shoulders with the likes of Kaizer Chiefs Under-17 players, and most of the PSL development clubs.”

A total of 18 players from Sakhulutsha Youth Academy managed to make it to the Discovery tournament in 2013.

Last year, due to a lack of funding, no players from Sakhulutsha were able to participate.

“In 2015, we are hoping to send at least 18 boys to the Discovery tournament again,” said Masinda.

“Any support or donations to make this happen would be greatly appreciated, as would local support at Saturday’s tournament.”

Meanwhile, the Sakhulutsha U-17 will take part in the semi-finals of the 7 Fountains Football tournament, to be played at 7 Fountains tomorrow.

The tournament consisted of 16 teams, divided into 4 groups.

Sakhulutsha placed first in their group, winning two games and drawing one. A

mong the participating teams are SAB Regional League clubs.

The 7 Fountains Football tournament is part of the preseason preparations for both players and coaches, and provides the perfect opportunity for the coaches to assess the players’ potential and their fitness levels.

sport@grocotts.co.za