As the ANLFA Junior U17 season edges closer to its conclusion, Alex Winter Rose FC is once again left reflecting on how it missed out on claiming this season’s victory.

While the team still has a game in hand, coach Katlego Khalo admitted that their loss in the previous clash against Happy Fighters cost them the league title.
Now, the Winter Rose youngsters, who have undoubtedly delivered a strong campaign this season, will finish the season thinking about just how close they came to the top spot.

Read more: Alex teams vie for promotion

Khalo, meanwhile, has already turned his focus to the missed opportunities that cost them. “We lost against Happy Fighters. There is no way we can recover, even if we win the remaining two games this season,” he said.

This weekend, Winter Rose was scheduled to face Alex Arsenal City FC. However, they walked away with three easy points after Arsenal failed to show up.

Still, Khalo admitted that even if they win their last game, the league title is already out of reach. “Today, we got points, but even if we win the next game, the league is already gone. The team at the top of the log has not lost a game.”

Currently, Winter Rose sits second on the log with over 30 points. However, with the third‑placed Alex Royal Tigers close behind, it remains to be seen who will finish in second place after their upcoming clash.

Last season, Winter Rose also ended in second position, following a heavy 0–4 defeat to eventual champions United Stars.

Also read: WATCH: Alex coaches earn their stripes

“What happened with our U17s now is the same thing that happened last season. We always lose a single game, and that is what punishes us. Last season, we lost against United Stars, and we lost the league.”

He noted that this recurring issue is one he is determined to address. Khalo said he has already had a serious conversation with his players about breaking this pattern and remains committed to ensuring they perform much better next season.

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