Posted in News on Oct 18, 2003.
Amakhosi had been guests in a tournament that concluded the development initiative set up by De Beers Premier Mining for the communities of Ekangala, Refilwe and adjacent townships in Cullinan.
De Beers, who are known to be unearthing diamond gems, are now in the heart of true sport development by getting involved with schools in and around Cullinan, digging talent in soccer and netball.
Coached by veteran development coach Jacob "Terror" Sephooa the Amakhosi U-13 side displayed what the local media called "Chiefs culture, characterised by intimate ball possession decorated with dribbling wizardry, to the delight of the local fans".
In a tournament attended by Club PRO Putco Mafani who was guest of honour, presenting medals and trophies later in the afternoon to winners, coach Sephooa said: "We are developing a side for World Cup 2010 here and when that time comes, it will be these boys that will usher the whole world to South Africa, you can see they love the ball and are very jealous about it, so tactically aware, ensuring maximum possession."
Playing on a bumpy pitch in front of 5000 soccer loving fans the visitors showed purpose in both divisions and to the amazement of the locals, they showed no mercy with the goals, a thing that still haunts most Premiership clubs in today’s game of football.
"I am pleased to see these boys restoring to Chiefs what we started, and I am particularly happy with the fact that the management at the club demonstrates more confidence every week in the ability of the coaching staff at the development academy.
"This is true development. There is enough talent here and I think with a company like De Beers, youngsters in this area will go a long way in realizing their true potential. We need more of these kind of tournaments as we prepare youngsters for World Cup 2006 and particularly 2010," said Chiefs stalwart Patrick ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe, who will jet to America later this week to be inducted to the American Hall of Fame.
Roger Majafe, an U-13 star midfielder who stole the hearts of the football lovers in Cullinan with defence splitting passes and rare insight of the game, is sure to be the next Shakes Khungaone of the Chiefs camp.