eMbalenhle Rhinos crowned U17 champions after intense penalty shootout
The two top-tier youth sides went head-to-head and ended in a 2-2 draw.
eMbalenhle Rhinos FC secured the 2026 Govan Mbeki Municipality Local Football Association Sasol Development League U17 championship title following a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Mpumalanga Rising Stars FC on October 10.
The clash took place at the eMbalenhle Sasol Club.
The two top-tier youth sides went head-to-head and ended in a 2-2 draw after a closely contested encounter.
With both teams fighting fiercely for the number one spot, the match ultimately had to be decided from the penalty spot after a tense battle.
The young Rhinos kept their nerve to edge out the Rising Stars and hoist the winner’s trophy. Earlier in the day, the top-four tournament kicked off with an action-packed third and fourth-place play-off fixture.
Sasol Juventus FC delivered a dominant performance to secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over eMbalenhle Home Boys FC.
The decisive win ensured that Sasol Juventus walked away with third place on the final tournament log standings, while Home Boys concluded their campaign in fourth place.
Thabo Tholo, the local football association chairperson, handed the trophy to the winners and highlighted that there will be a prize-giving ceremony at the end of October.
The next focus is the U13 and U15 playoffs, taking place on October 25. Tholo thanked the parents and stakeholders who supported the league.
