Dimes’ juniors master the beautiful game
A DIMES United junior team has rewritten the Safa Chatsworth history books.
The energetic group of Under-11 youngsters became the first team in the league’s history to win the competition undefeated, claiming victory in all 11 games.
The fact that the team did not concede a single goal is even more astonishing.
Under the guidance of coaches Lenny Moodley and Ponch Chetty, the boys from Westcliff also lifted the Lab Supplies Junior Cup earlier in the season.
“The lads were elated and excited as they worked hard during the season,” Moodley said. “They were dedicated in training and always showed great hunger.
“Our message for every game was to make sure they enjoyed themselves, play without fear and without comprising the fun element of playing the beautiful game.”
The squad bought into a possessionbased brand of football from the get-go. According to Moodley, they did this knowing that if they could keep the door shut at the back, they would give their attacking players every chance to get onto the scoreboard.
The coach continued: “During the first season we, as coaches, saw how the other teams set themselves up and we decided then that we wanted to play a different style of football. We adopted a high-pressing game and to defend from the front, thus allowing the opposition no chance to enter our half.
“The big part in controlling the defence was having Rickelmi Govender, marshalling the team from the back, with goalkeeper Umair Kassim keeping the clean sheets.”
Out in front, striker Theeran Chetty provided the fireworks to propel them to the top, with the skilful front man and skipper banging in a phenomenal 30 goals.
“Theeran has excelled in his game, becoming a good all-round player,” Moodley explained.
“He has speed, superb ball control and finishes with deadly instinct from inside and outside the box.
“I must also make mention of Jordan Osbourne, who also enjoyed a great season with a contribution of 21 goals.”
The majority of this team will move to the team’s U-13 outfit next season and Moodley is confident they will be just as successful.
“These boys play the Dimes way,” he added. “We use the successes from the past as motivation and to remind them what an honour it is to play for this club.”