The Kiddies Hope Academy U14s were crowned the Southern Central League champions after a dominant campaign that saw them win 16 matches and lose only one.

The young side capped off their remarkable year this past weekend with another impressive performance, defeating Alveda 2-0 in the final of the NS Plate Cup.

The team comprises players who started their football journey at Kiddies Hope Academy as young children and continued to develop through the ranks, even after leaving the academy.

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Coach Xolani Sithole beamed with pride and admiration for his team’s outstanding achievement, noting that it was their debut season in both the league and cup competitions.

He said, “Their performance has been amazing, and they showed a passion for the beautiful game. This is definitely the start of many more good things that are to come for these boys.

“We travelled to different provinces, and the parents always made sure every player was ready and supported. Their presence during matches motivated the boys and built their confidence – not just on the field but in their academics.’’

More than 80% of the squad began their football education at the academy, with a few new players joining from other schools.

The academy used the Jabulani Safe Hub as their home ground, where they hosted visiting teams in front of supportive fans and the local community.

They have earned a promotion to the U14 Premier League next season, marking another milestone for the fast-growing academy.

With scouts from major clubs showing interest in several standout players, the future looks bright for the academy’s young stars.