The first round of the Easterns Cup kicked off with Springs Premier FC U17 premier team delivering a commanding performance as they cruised to a 9–2 victory over Pitso Mosimane Youth Football in their latest encounter at Premier’s home ground, Veritas College, on May 3.

Premier set the tone in the first half with seven goals, where Gabriel Stoltz, Nahum Sibanda and Nhlanhla Nhlapo scored braces, and Kamogelo Sapie added his name on the scoresheet.

In the second half, the Premier brought more intensity, and Quade van der Merwe was able to score braces for his team.

Despite the intensity from Premier, Mosimane’s Molimi Molemo and Zwelakhe Mahlangu were able to secure goals for the team.

Premier’s coach, David Ngwenya, said that the team did not start off the season on a high note as they lost two games.

He said that as a team, they had to regroup and rebuild, as many players are new to the club.

“The game plan was just to play to our strength and express our talent because these boys are very talented and do the basics right.”

“The boys executed well, even though our opponents are a bit young, but they gave us what we were expecting. We are building the team from this momentum,” expressed Ngwenya.

The coach explained that the goals scored in the first half came from the main team, adding that in the second half, it was the substitutes which they are still being brought into the team.

Despite the win, Ngwenya shared that there are areas for improvement, like getting a full-time goalkeeper for his team.

“We need a goalkeeper because our current keeper basically plays defence for the team. So we need more keepers and defenders.

“With this game, we had players missing due to school commitments, so we are encouraging players to join,” he said.

Mosimane’s coach, Phikani Shitlhangu, told the publication that despite the results, he is impressed by the performance. He said that his team consisted of younger players, even though skilled.

“During the practice, the boys looked great, but unfortunately, it was not the case during the game.

“Some of the players in the team are new, and the communication between the players is not there yet, but it will be something that we will work on for the next games,” indicated Shitlhangu.

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Springs Premier results:

Saturday games

• U12L3 – African Tigers L4 (2) vs Springs Premier (3)
• U7L4 – Olympia Prem (4) vs Springs Premier L4 (0)
• U8L3 – Springs Premier L3 (3) vs Highlands Park L2 (2)
• U9L2 – Kempton Park Prem (2) vs Springs Premier L2 (0)
• U10L2 – SCBI Prem (2) vs Springs Premier L2 (1)
• U11L4 – Springs Premier L4 (6) vs Alberton L5 (0)

Sunday games

• U11L1 – Highlands Park Shabbos L3 (3) vs Springs Premier L1 (1)
• U13L5 – Springs Premier (A) L5 (9) vs Kempton Park L3 (0)
• U13L5 – Birch Acres L2 (2) vs Springs Premier (B) L5 (3)
• U15L3 – Springs Premier L3 (1) vs DBK L1 (0)
• U17L1 – Springs Premier L1 (1) vs Porto Reiger Park Prem (5)