Tshepo Academy Coaching team. From left Tshepo Sebopetsa (head coach, Jeffrey Senyolo (team Manager) and David Makua (assistant coach)
By: Refilwe Sebola
Tshepo Academy may have returned to Limpopo without the Engine U18 Champ of Champs trophy, but their performances at the University of Pretoria have put the young side — and some of their players — firmly on the radar.
The Limpopo representatives were among the teams competing at the prestigious youth tournament in Pretoria, where they tested themselves against some of the country’s top young talent, including eventual champions Kaizer Chiefs.
And while results were mixed, coach Tshepo Sebopetsa says the tournament provided his players with valuable experience, while revealing that there was interest from other teams in some of the academy’s youngsters.
“It was a good tournament for us because we learned a lot and gained experience,” Sebopetsa said.
Tshepo Academy’s campaign was a rollercoaster, with the young Limpopo side showing both resilience and vulnerability in a tournament where matches were played at a frantic pace over just 50 minutes.
They opened their campaign on Friday against Free State side Ten Point FC and looked set to collect a positive result after taking the lead.
However, Ten Point produced a dramatic late turnaround, scoring twice in the final five minutes to win 2-1.
Tshepo then faced Kaizer Chiefs in their second match of the day, suffering a 2-0 defeat after the Soweto giants scored early and added a second goal late in the match.
The Limpopo side responded strongly on Saturday against Pixley Youth FC.
After conceding early, Tshepo Academy scored twice in the first half and even had an opportunity to extend their lead from the penalty spot, but failed to convert.
Pixley then hit back to make it 2-2 before half-time, with neither side able to find a winner.
Tshepo finally secured their first victory when they came up against East High Boys Academy from Mpumalanga.
East High opened the scoring, but Tshepo Academy showed character to turn the match around with two second-half goals and claim a 2-1 win.
Their tournament ended on Sunday with a 1-1 draw against Maria Louw High School in the positional play-offs.
For Sebopetsa, however, the value of the tournament goes beyond the results.
The opportunity to play against strong opposition from outside Limpopo gave his players a chance to understand where they stand and what they need to improve if they are to progress to the next level.
With scouts and teams also taking an interest in some of the players, the tournament could potentially prove to be a significant stepping stone for youngsters dreaming of professional football.
Kaizer Chiefs eventually walked away as tournament winners, but for Tshepo Academy, the trip to Pretoria was about more than lifting silverware.
It was about testing themselves, gaining exposure and opening doors.
And if some of the young players who caught the eye can use the experience as a springboard for the next stage of their careers, Tshepo Academy’s Limpopo journey at the Engine U18 Champ of Champs could prove to have been a victory in its own right.
Tshepo Academy under 18 team.