Posted on June 21, 2011 12:08
AmaZulu’s youth sides all advanced to the semis of the DCLFA Knockout on the weekend.
AmaZulufc.net was on hand in the U15s 1-0 win against Stella FC at Tills Crescent on Sunday afternoon, 20 June 2011.
The hot and dry conditions on the day were never going to be of any factor in the match, as both teams started well and took an almost equal chance at going at each other.
The home side grew stronger as the game progressed but Stella’s last line of defence was well composed and dealt well with threatening balls in the box from ‘Usuthu’.
A stroke of pure genius in the form of a halftime change by coach Justice Mtshali swung the match in favour of AmaZulu. Skilful right-winger Thembinkosi Gwala who came on for Njabulo
Mhlongo, received a pass from right-back Sgcino Slango in the second half to set him up. The lad controlled the ball well and coolly shot past the Stella keeper in first move of the second half and secured AmaZulu a place in the next round.
“They knew what to expect from us since this was the second time we played them so it was a bit of an average game.
They were closing us down well in the first half, and we had to be patient. In the second half we were able to string a few passes together with Thembinkosi bringing in a new dimension with his pace and skill,” Mtshali said.
The AmaZulu U13s overcame Hill Groove FC at Jimmy Bellons in Westville to advance to the semi-finals in their division. Thabiso Sishi’s hat-trick and a brace by Siphamandla Zubane gave the youngest ‘Usuthu’ development side a 5-2 win over their opponents.
The U17s advanced by default after their opponents Real Stars FC failed to pitch. Their weekend wasn’t that in-active however as they played an Umlazi Invitational XI in a June 16 Youth Celebration match in Umlazi. They won 8-7 on penalties after a goal less fulltime