Clapham claims 2017 COPA title
Clapman High school won the 2017 COPA Coca Cola trophy.
Following a hugely captivating final, Clapham High School were officially crowned the 2017 COPA Coca-Cola champions after defeating Dr JL Dube 2-1 on September 30. Clapham High, the Mamelodi Sundowns academy, was the champions back in 2015.
After an exciting and gruelling season, the action culminated thanks to a fittingly spectacular final that captured the hearts of the locals that came out in their numbers to witness the best u-15 players that South Africa has to offer through this renowned youth international tournament.
The hosts, Qalabotjha Secondary School from the Fezile Dabi district could not get out of the round robin phase following a tough battle against the other eight Provincial champions. On the day of the final, however, glory belonged to Gauteng’s Clapham High who outshone the runners-up from KwaZulu Natal in all departments on a sunny afternoon in Mangaung’s famous township of Rocklands, home to Premier Soccer League Club Bloemfontein Celtic.
Thato Matli, the captain of Clapham who scored the winning goal in the final was one of the standout players during the national finals and finished the three-day tournament as the top scorer.
National u-17 coach Molefi Ntseki was one of the many scouts that kept a close eye on this season’s talent and action and he was present over the three days at the national finals. Amajita’s coach, who also hails from the Free State province, was impressed by the talent on display during the course of the nationals.
Phindi Phiri, the marketing assets manager at Coca-Cola South Africa congratulated the winning team for their fantastic display. “Clapham High School worked tirelessly, showcasing a great deal of teamwork, perseverance and camaraderie within their team which eventually led to them being victors for 2017. We’ve witnessed great football during the three days of the tournament and the level of consistency and showcase of football development at this level was pleasing. At Coca-Cola we remain committed and proud about the investments made in the youth of this country. It is through projects such as the COPA Coca-Cola that we are still able to achieve our objectives of promoting an active, healthy lifestyle through sports participation and provide a platform for grassroots sports development.”
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