Eldorado Park clubs shine at 2024 awards

The Eldorado Local Football Association (ELFA) honoured clubs that claimed the 2024 ELFA Boys and Girls Junior League in various divisions.

Girls champions included U11 Dallas Stars, U13 Eldos Spurs, U15 Salem City and U17 The Boys.

Boys champions are U10 Dallas Stars, U12 Colchester, U13 Mids, U15 Aces United and U17 Rangers City Spurs.

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Cohen du Pont, coach of Dallas Stars FC, expressed pride in clinching the U10 boys league title on goal difference after a challenging but competitive season, with teams from various regions like Soweto, Klipspruit, and Bushkoppies.

Regardless of limited resources and disruptions to training due to safety concerns, Du Pont praised the team’s resilience and hard work.

Looking ahead, he emphasised the club’s focus on developing top-tier youth players in both boys’ and girls’ divisions, aiming to create the best talent in Eldorado Park and build a future of football excellence.

Coach Jan Davids of Aces united voiced his frustration with his team’s performance, citing poor refereeing as a major challenge. Despite only playing nine games so far, he believes his players will bounce back stronger.

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He also announced his retirement from coaching, citing the toll it has taken on him.

He emphasised his pride in his team, noting that they are the oldest in the league and need a break to regroup and perform better moving forward.

Coach Lesego Mutshayi of Rangers City Spurs FC shared his thoughts on the league, expressing satisfaction with the competition.

“The league was nice,” he said, adding that he is eager to elevate his team’s performance to a more professional level.

“My goal is to focus on improving the team’s playing style while also concentrating on defending their championship cup in the upcoming season,” said Mutshayi.

Owen Perry, a member of the ELFA competition committee, reflected on the challenges faced in 2024, particularly the lack of resources and financial support from major football organisations.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the season was a success in providing a space for kids to play, learn, and develop.

However, Perry stressed the urgent need for improved facilities, such as better security, functioning toilets and well-maintained fields.

He mentioned a recent quotation for securing the fields and upgrading the infrastructure, which amounted to R1.2m, but he expressed concern about where this funding will come from, as the association receives no financial aid from SAFA or other sponsors.

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Perry made a heartfelt plea for assistance, calling on local businesses, the community, and potential sponsors to support the association so that they can continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young players.

Looking ahead, he is focused on making 2025 a year of excellence, alignment, and unity, with plans for sports festivals, clinics, and tournaments to further develop football talent in the community.

Girls runner ups
U11 The Boys FC and Colechester FC.
U13 Boys and Dlamini All Blacks.
U15 The Boys and gunners FC.
U17 Boca and FC Samuels.
Boys runner ups
U10 Ipswich and Eldo Spurs
U12 The Boys and Boca
U13 The Boys and Eldo Spurs
U15 Aces United, Midas and Eldo Spurs
U17 Petersport and Midas SD
To support the association contact Perry at 067 963 8555.