UP-Tuks under-15 football team wins FAP Gold Cup Tournament

The UP-Tuks under-15 football team was victorious on Saturday in their FAP Gold Cup Final beating the Mintlangu/Blue Stars 6-2.

The final score at Tuks does not tell the full story. The first half was a tightly contested affair with both teams having had opportunities to score but failing to do so.

Thomas Masombuka, UP-Tuks coach, admits to having a serious talk with his players during the halftime break.

“I could see the players were quite nervous so first I got them to calm down a bit. Reassuring them that they had played better than the scoreboard suggested. Then I reminded them to stick to the basics.”

Judging by what happened the players took Masobuka’s words to heart. The UP-Tuks players certainly played with more confidence. After scoring the second goal, there were no stopping them.

A smiling Boitimelo Magano (UP-Tuks captain) said afterwards that it is game he will remember for a long time to come.

“It was a good learning experience on how to handle pressure. I am sure it is going to stand us to good stead for future games. I think the game's turning point came about after halftime when we slightly changed our game plan. We made sure we stayed tight and not concede any goals.”

Lindo Mbokazi had a field day during the second half completing hat-trick of goals. He considers his first as his best.

Mbokazi is not sure as to how many goals he scored during the tournament but estimates that it could be twenty.

Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan for the UP-Tuks under-17 team. They got outplayed in their final losing 4-1 against Glenwegians/PHSOB.

The UP-Tuks under-11 team is flying out tomorrow to play the PH Almelo Tournament in the Netherlands. 20 teams from all over Europe will be competing.

Coach, Kabelo Mokoena, is a realist not viewing results to be the be and end all.

“At their age, it is more important to look at the team’s performance than the results. It is easy to win games when you are under-11, but that is not what is essential. You want the players to improve.

"It is critical for young players to be exposed to international soccer at such a young age as it gives them an opportunity to realise how their level of play compares to the standard in other countries.

"They will be exposed to quite a few different playing styles. Any good player got to be able to adapt to whatever happens on the field at any given time.”