Under-19 talent drives Cambridge Reserves to impressive debut season
Featuring mostly under-19 players, the youthful side impressed with a gutsy campaign marked by big wins, valuable lessons, and hope for the future.
NIGEL – Cambridge Football Club’s Reserve team has wrapped up their MAFA League campaign with a commendable fourth-place finish.
Made up largely of U19 players, the youthful squad delivered a roller-coaster season filled with big wins, tough lessons, and valuable experience that bodes well for the club’s future.
In their penultimate match on July 26, Cambridge Reserves faced AD Spurs. Despite a slow start and early missed opportunities, Cambridge eventually found their rhythm and dominated the second half. Once the first goal landed, the floodgates opened, and they cruised to a convincing 6-1 victory.
The following day, Cambridge took on the Dream Team in their final fixture. Dream Team needed a win to secure top spot in the league, while Cambridge were playing to cement their fourth-place finish. Dream Team came out more focused and led 2-0 at halftime.
Cambridge responded well in the second half, matching their opponents with a goal apiece, but the final score stood at 3-1 in favour of Dream Team.
“We gave it our all, but Dream Team was hungrier – congratulations to them. We wish them the best in the playoffs. We are proud of what our boys achieved in their first season.
“I believe we did well. Lastly, we want to thank our chairperson for the opportunity and the support he gave us. We truly appreciate what he is doing for the club,” said coach Seun Motlhoung.
“Wow, what a season with a lot of challenges.
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“When I took on this project, we as a club didn’t have a cent in the budget. But I can only give God all the glory; for His mercy and grace we managed to honour all our fixtures,” said club chairperson Ignatius Maphike.
“I’m happy for the boys. They did well, and I hope some will be promoted to the first team in future. Cambridge’s first team will start their season in August, and we’re hoping for funding from local businesses.
“After all the off-field issues and boardroom decisions in the Hollywood Bets League, the first team has now been reinstated through an out-of-court settlement.
“Now we need to refocus and try again. I’m pleading with our investors and sponsors to come forward and assist us again,” Maphike added.
