SEDIBENG.- Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) is riding high at the top of the Gauteng Development League (GDL), proving they can compete with the biggest names in youth football.

The academy currently sits fourth in the league standings, hot on the heels of Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Siwelele, who occupy the first, second, and third spots respectively.

Since gaining promotion to this elite stream, which is traditionally dominated by the country’s top academies, RESA has shown remarkable consistency. Crucially, they carry the pride of being the only academy from the Vaal region represented in the competition.

This achievement is particularly impressive given the calibre of their opposition. The local side routinely goes head-to-head with well-established and heavily resourced development teams, including Jomo Cosmos, Wits Juniors, Tuks, Highlands Park, School of Excellence, Panorama, Kathorus Hyper, Siwelele, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The academy is not in the league to make up numbers.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, RESA Managing Director, Xolani Mathumbo, expressed immense pride in the collective hard work of his coaches, technical staff, players, and administrators.

He made it clear that the academy is not just in the league to make up the numbers, but is actively challenging for the title, insisting that his side is fully capable of competing with the elite teams.

“I must say, I’m very proud of the incredible work and dedication that our coaches, technical staff, and administrators have shown. It is unbelievable when you compare us with those well-resourced academies, but in the field of play, we are equal,” he said.