Jozi Rapids U17s made a strong start to their 2026 Easter Cup of Champions campaign with a 2–0 victory over Maritzburg, thanks to goals from Matthew Van Der Westhuizen and Fenyang Kgotsa.

The annual youth football tournament kicked off on April 3 and is taking place at Pinnacle College Kyalami for the U17 division, while the U14 matches are being hosted at HeronBridge College.

The competition will continue on April 4 and 6, bringing together teams from across Southern Africa to showcase some of the region’s brightest young football talent.
Rapids wasted little time in stamping their authority on the match. Matthew opened the scoring after capitalising on a defensive error from Maritzburg.

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He pounced on the loose ball before unleashing a shot that took a deflection off a defender and found the back of the net.

Although Maritzburg earned several corners in the first half and threatened down the right flank, Jozi Rapids enjoyed the better share of possession and looked more composed in controlling the tempo of the game.

The Midrand-based side sealed all three points in the second half when Fenyang rose highest to meet a well-delivered free kick from Siyabonga Mkhonza, powering home a thumping header.

Fenyang’s standout display also earned him the Man of the Match Award.

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Speaking after the win, Rapids coach Sinethemba Zweni praised his side’s adaptability and fighting spirit. “This was a good win. We had to adapt to what the Maritzburg side presented. Of course, we were expecting a physical battle, not a technical battle. They surprised me a bit with how good they are with the ball, but they just weren’t progressive enough with it.

“This win sends a message within the change room that we can believe more than the self-doubt that is there, but good win.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Jozi Rapids and Maritzburg go head-to-head in a competitive U17 Easter Cup of Champions encounter at Pinnacle College Kyalami on April 3. Video: Comfort Makhanya #caxtonlocalmedia #johannesburg #newsupdate #2026 #Communitynews #Localnews #Sportsnews #Midrand #Kasidiski ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Jozi Rapids face a busy schedule as they continue their group-stage campaign. They are set to take on Siwelele at 13:15, followed by Prestige at 15:30 on April 3, before wrapping up their group fixtures against TS Galaxy on April 4.

Other U17 results so far:
• Julinho Athletic 0–2 La Masia
Man of the Match: Lendon Seefort (La Masia)
• University of Pretoria 1–0 Joburg City
Man of the Match: Jesse Da Silva (Joburg City)
• Mmbatho 0–1 MYSO
Man of the Match: Bashir Shaban
Stay tuned for more updates

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