After setting a clear objective to give the 2025 ANLFA U17 league season their all, Happy Fighters FC players and coach could not contain their joy as they lifted the league trophy. This followed their 3-2 victory against Alex Royal Tigers on Saturday at the Altrec Sports Complex.

On Sunday, when their senior team beat Alex Arsenal City 3-0 after two consecutive draws in the previous games, it was clear that the U17’s Saturday victory had raised the bar and set the new standard for the whole club.

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According to coach Malibongwe Mnyenjwa, the U17 squad enjoyed a remarkable run this season, winning 14 of their 16 matches drawing two. He said the team has been this competitive since the 2024 season and has not suffered a defeat in nearly two years.

He said the success was no surprise. Even before their first fixture, he had declared that they were ‘gunning for everything this season’ and determined to claim the league’s top spot at all costs. His players delivered exactly that.

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The coach credited his steadfast belief in the team as the key to their success. He explained that the conviction that ANLFA glory was possible set his side apart. Over time, he has watched them grow both as a unit and as individuals. “Development has been going quite well because now our results as U17 have given us our competitive senior team. Now our senior team is performing because it is made up of our U17 boys,” he said.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Happy Fighters U17 coach Malibongwe Mnyenjwa says he went into the 2025 season of the ANLFA league with the clear intention to win. Video: Itumeleng Maloka #Alex #Football ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Mnyenjwa said their focus has already shifted to the future. “What is next is to groom more boys, give them wins, hope and courage, and win everything that comes our way.”

He revealed that the ultimate goal is to ensure that players are well developed and prepared so that when the time comes, they are ready and competent enough to make the leap into the senior division.

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