Free State made history in the tournament by becoming the first team to defend the title after beating Mpumalanga on penalties following an intense 1-1 draw. However, victory did not come easy for Free State as they had to overcome a team that was spearheaded by the tournament’s Top Goal scorer and Player of the Tournament, Siphamandla Dhlamini.
The weeklong tournament saw a number of talent scouts from Premier Soccer League attending the championships, which have over the years developed a strong reputation of producing the country’s best footballers.
Speaking at the tournament, SAB’s Head of Enterprise Development Specialist, Octavius Phukubye said that the 2015 edition of the SAB U21 Championships was a resounding success and that the SAB’s partnership with SAFA continues to reap incredible results.
“We are proud of what we have achieved through this tournament. The life skills element of the Youth Diversion has also grown and becomes a key part of the tournament that teaches youngsters about the dangers of substance abuse as well as important life skills. We also want to thank our partners SAFA for an incredible journey of 15 years of contributing to football development” said Phukubye.
2015 SAB U21 Championships Road to the Final
Mpumalanga
1. Free State 2 – 1 Mpumalanga
2. Mpumalanga 2 – 1 Western Cape
3. Mpumalanga 4 – 1 Gauteng
4. Mpumalanga 4 – 1 Northern Cape
Free State
1. Free State 2 – 1 Mpumalanga
2. Gauteng 2 – 3 Free State
3. Free State 2 – 3 Northern Cape
4. Free State 3 – 0 Western Cape
Semi Finals
Mpumalanga 4 – 2 University Sport SA
Limpopo 0 – 2 Free States
Final:
Mpumalanga (1) 1 – 1 (3) Free State
