KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) in partnership with SAFA KZN hosted a successful provincial under 17 football tournament for both boys and girls at the weekend in Ugu Sport and Recreation Complex.
DSR funded the tournament and provided all 11 districts with playing kit, medals and equipment. Over 500 boys and girls participated in the tournament.
The main objective of the U17 champs was the identification and nurturing of junior football players in the province to participate in the SAFA National Metropolitan Tournament in Welkom, Free State, in April 2013.
The tournament also offered a practical experience for the coaches, referees, technical officials and administrators who attend the department organised capacity building courses and workshops.
The South African Football fraternity has identified the under 17 players as a target group in preparation for Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil in line with SASCOC’s vision.
The Department of Sport and Recreation has always supported SAFA-KZN for similar programs since its inception nine years ago.
Umgungundlovu district continued their dominance of the games with both their males and female teams able to reach the finals and winning them.
The Umgungundlovu boys beat arch rivals eThekwini 3-0 on penalties in the final. Both teams were locked on a 0-0 after full time. Their female counterparts were 2-0 winners over Uthungulu.
The Umgungundlovu female and male teams rejoiced after clinching the 2013 tittles.
