Alexandra hosts another successful McDonald’s tournament
ALEXANDRA - Daniye Higher Primary School from Mpumalanga lifted McDonald's U14 Schools League Tournament at the Alexandra Stadium.
Daniye Higher Primary School from Mpumalanga lifted McDonald’s U14 Schools League Tournament winner’s trophy when they defeated the brave Guquza Junior Secondary School 4-3 on penalties at the Alexandra Stadium.
The league, in partnership with the South African Schools Football Association, which is an affiliate of South African Football Association, was the sixth edition of the tournament.
The nine provincial winners faced off in the National Finals held in Alexandra for the second time in three years.
“We are proud to crown the 6th McDonald’s U14 Schools League champions,” said Sechaba Motsieloa, corporate affairs director of McDonald’s South Africa.
“Seeing the dedication and commitment of the players and coaches across the tournament is testament to the fact that we are developing dreams and contributing to the development of grassroots football in South Africa.”
Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association’s secretary general, Mafika Morajane, said they were happy to be hosting the tournament in Alex again as it showed that they were doing something right.
“We can give any football matter the utmost best of our ability, they saw the first tournament was a success. We hope that our young local players will learn from these players and we can get a team from the township that can represent us next time,” he said.
The 2015 tournament saw over 3 300 schools from nine provinces battle it out in a series of provincial playoffs before the national finals which were held at Alexandra Stadium.
WATCH: The opening ceremony of the U14 McDonald’s National Finals:
The president of South African Schools Football Association, Mandla ‘Shoes’ Mazibuko said, “The development of grassroots football in South Africa is given a substantial boost by the McDonald’s U14 Schools League.
“The league provides structure for children to showcase their football talent and gives rising stars the opportunity to be scouted, and ultimately, hone their football skills to play at professional level.”
LISTEN: Mafika Morajane of ANLFA:
https://soundcloud.com/user528046609/mafika1
