Chiefs U-17 show nerves of steel against Brazil
Chiefs U-17 show nerves of steel against Brazil

Posted in News on Jun 24, 2009.

“This has never happened to me at your age, grab this opportunity and most importantly have fun...” these were the words of U-17 coach, Doctor Khumalo addressing the U-17s before taking on five time world champions, Brazil in a 45 minute practice match at Orlando Stadium.



In preparation for the Confederations Cup semifinal game against Bafana Bafana on Thursday, Brazilian national team coach, Dunga was looking for a team to play against the players that did not have a run against Italy on Sunday.

The Brazilian national team though, were not short of stars as AC Milan’s Pato, former Real Madrid Baptista (Baptista scored for Brazil in the last Confederations Cup final), Barcelona’s Alves, Inter Milan’s Julio Ceaser and many others took the field against the young boys from Shaft 17.



Brazil ran 4-0 winners thanks to the brilliance of Alexandre Pato but the young Chiefs can be proud for showing the Brazilians no respect.



Captain and left back, Kwena said after the game, “Alves did not have a single opportunity to attack us on the right let alone to put a cross and that is because we were very strong on that side of the field.



I will never forget this...I have no words to explain the feeling of playing against some of the greatest players in the world,”



Chiefs U-17 were not only faced with Daniel Alves and company but Tebogo Ntuli who plays in the centre back for the U-17 was roped by Brazilian coach, Dunga in front of Julio Ceaser an opportunity that the young boy grabbed with both hands.



He thwarted almost every move that the ‘opposition’ created which led to coach, Doctor Khumalo jokingly saying, “Boys you must make sure Carlos does not eat tonight,”



They young Tebogo Ntuli who did not look overwhelmed by playing in Brazil’s heart of defence was overjoyed playing with some of top players in the world.



"I am big fan of Brazilian players but I had to focus on playing football which is something that i do week in and week out at Shaft 17. I am grateful for this opportunity,” said visible excited young star.



Development coach, Terror Sephoa thanked the players for the way they handled themselves during the game.



“We are all very proud of you and I was happy not to see overzealous tackles out there...I am sure you can see now the gap between us and them. We will work together in ensuring that you also represent your countries at highest level one day”

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