Uthongathi of KwaZulu-Natal have been crowned the 2017 ABC Motsepe League National Play Off Champions after beating Super Eagles of Free State by 1-0 in a fast-paced final held at Buffalo City Stadium in East London.

The clash took place on Sunday, 11 June 2017.

Among those attending the exciting fixture, was Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe who are both from the Motsepe Foundation, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, SAFA NEC Members, SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble and SAFA Technical Director, Neil Tovey.

Both teams came into the match in high spirits as they had gained promotion to the National First Division, but on offer was the R1 Million winners prize.

Siyabonga Vilane put Uthongathi in the lead in the 26^th after he connected well with a cross, and his header beat Tshepo Ramaele in the Eagles goal.

The KZN side could have increased their tally but were wasteful up front.

In the second half Eagles upped their tempo as they went in search of the equaliser – and they came close on several occasions but it was not to be. They dictated terms in this stanza but nothing bore fruit from their attempts.

Both sides made changes to their playing personnel but none could alter the score line.

In the end Uthongathi were crowned champions, winning R1 Million – a direct amount of eight hundred thousand rand (R800 000.00), plus an additional two hundred thousand rand (R200 000.00) to be applied for the development of youth football project chosen for by the winner in consultation with both SAFA and the Motsepe Foundation.

The battle completed a week-long tournament between nine provincial winners in the ABC Motsepe League. All were vying for the two spots available for promotion in the National First Division (NFD).

“It was not easy, but we enforced our tactical acumen and dominated the first half. In the second half Eagles threw everything forward but my troops dealt with that well. We could have scored on the break, but we failed to convert our chances. I am happy with the boys’ performance – tactically, they carried the instructions to perfection. For one goal, I will take the million rands,” said Ronnie Gabriels, head coach of Uthongathi.

They finished the play-offs without losing a match. They are aware that in the NFD things won’t be easy.

“Life in NFD is not easy and we understand that but we all know that the real work start now for us. In terms of players, I believe we have players who can compete there but at the same time we don’t want to be naïve and think we will make it – so a few additions in key positions will will help us maintain our position,” added an elated Gabriels.

For their efforts, Eagles won an amount of four hundred thousand rand (R400 000.00) with an additional one hundred thousand rand (R100 000.00) to be applied for the development of a youth football project chosen for by the runner-up in consultation with both SAFA and the Motsepe Foundation.

“We lacked sense of urgency, the legs were heavy, we played four matches and they played three, so they had agility much better than us – but that is no excuse. First half they outplayed us but we regrouped in the second stanza where we dominated play. We should have scored but on the day goals eluded us. Despite the loss, I am proud of the how the performed the entire week, and even more excited about promotion to the NFD,” said Tshegofatso Mashego, head coach of Super Eagles.

Uthongathi almost made a clean sweep with the individual awards. Celimpilo Ngema walked away with two accolades – Young Player of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament, while Martin Mthimkhulu was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

The Top Goal Scorer Award was a three-way tie – Joseph Chikila (EC Bees), Thapelo Selepe (Super Eagles) and Mpho Erasmus (Zizwe United) – who scored four goals each.

 

INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS

TOP GOAL SCORER FOR THE TOURNAMENT (4 goals each)

• (10) Joseph Chikila EC Bees
• (8) Thapelo Selepe Super Eagles
• (18) Mpho Erasmus Zizwe United

 

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT

• (17) Celimpilo Ngema (Uthongathi-KwaZulu Natal)

 

GOALKEEPER OF THE TOURNAMENT

• (1) Martin A. Mthimkhulu (Uthongathi-KwaZulu Natal)

 

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT

• (17) Celimpilo Ngema (Uthongathi-KwaZulu Natal)

 

2017 ABC Motsepe National Play Off Tournament Stats (Click here)

At the end of the tournament, 22 players were selected and have been invited to a training camp. They will also face 2017 African Champions, Mamelodi Sundowns at a date still to be determined.

 

ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE PLAYOFF SELECTION SQUAD 2016/2017

 

No.	Name & Surname	Position	JSY No.	Club	Province
1	Martin A.  MTHIMKHULU	Goalkeeper	1	Uthongathi	KwaZulu Natal
2	Smiso NDLELA	Goalkeeper	16	Acornbush United	Mpumalanga
3	Thandazo S. RADEBE	Left Back	21	Buya Msuthu	North West
4	Sifiso NYATHIKAZI	Left Back	4	Uthongathi	KwaZulu Natal
5	Phiwayinkosi K.  DLODLO	Left-Centre Back	28	Uthongathi	KwaZulu Natal
6	Yondela  NTINGISO	Left-Centre Back	5	EC Bees	Eastern Cape
7	Mogorosi D.  MMETHI	Right Back	25	Buya Msuthu	North West
8	Sanele Deon QUEFACE	Right Back	15	Maccabi	Gauteng
9	Mzwandile  BUTHELEZI	Right-Centre Back	5	Acornbush United	Mpumalanga
10	Tshediso  MANYINGISA	Right-Centre Back	14	Super Eagles	Free State
11	Xolani  SLAWULA	Right-Centre-Back	3	Uthongathi	KwaZulu Natal
12	Kobus  KOK	Def. Midfielder	4	Buya Msuthu	North West
13	Tiisetso Victor  NOOSI	Def. Midfielder	17	Super Eagles	Free State
14	Celimpilo  NGEMA	Def. Midfielder	21	Uthongathi	KwaZulu Natal
15	Mpapa  MOFOKENG	Att. Midfielder	15	Super Eagles	Free State
16	Mpho M.  MATHEKGANE	Att/W Midfielder	32	Buya Msuthu	North West
17	Christoffer  BALIE	Left Winger	8	Mainstay	Northern Cape
18	Khangela  ZUNGU	Right/Left Winger	10	Uthongathi	KwaZulu Natal
19	Mudzunga  SIDUMO	Right Winger	11	Acornbush United	Mpumalanga
20	Minenhle  DLONGOLO	Striker	9	EC Bees	Eastern Cape
21	Tshepo C.  SIBANDA	Striker/Winger	102	Buya Msuthu	North West
22	Bonginkosi  DHLADHLA	Striker	34	Acornbush United	Mpumalanga

Sourced from SAFA website.