“We would not have achieved without the support of parents and technical teams who continue giving their all to ensure that the young players are removed from streets and have their energies challenged positively,” he says
By Mamello Maila
Ace Auto Ayoba Academy u-17 team from KwaThema has broken the record by playing 24 games without a single loss in the Ekurhuleni Region League games.
The team has played two draws and 22 wins. They left with two games to play, but with their points on the time sheet they are walking straight to victory. Coach Tshepo Nkabinde says their plan to win the season started in the pre-season games.
“We made sure that we worked hard on our plan to win the season through scoring points at every game. All the boys were given an opportunity to play, and they gave their all and dedicated themselves to executing that expected of them.
“To us, this is a milestone because in the country, we have a challenge of scoring goals. It also gives me a good idea of which direction to take the team as they progress to the provincial league,” he says.
Nkabinde adds that he is also proud of the players and hopes that through grooming them, they will be scouted by the national teams.
“We have some of the best players in the region whose talent deserve to be appreciated nationally. We would not have achieved without support of parents and technical teams who continue giving their all to ensure that the young players are removed from the streets and have their energies channelled positively,” he says.
Nkabinde is calling on local coaches to attend coaching workshops and clinics to sharpen their skills. “The players don’t only need to be taught how to tackle the ball, but also need one’s undivided attention and motivation because they are dealing with a lot in their social lives,” he adds.