Joaquin Munoz of Atletico Madrid
JOHANNESBURG – ATHLETICO Madrid have won the Future Champions Gauteng after a 2-1 victory over local side Bidvest Wits in the final of international tournament played at the Football Training Centre in Pimville, Soweto.
The Spanish side found their goals through Joaquin Munoz (4 minutes) and Oscar Clemente (59’) while Shungu Dutiro (37’) found Wits’ consolation to take his tally for the tournament to six, level with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Siphamandla Ntuli.
Mexican side Club Tijuana secured the bronze medal as they defeated local favourites Orlando Pirates 2-0 thanks to a brace of goals from Daniel Lopez, who took his tally for the tournament to four.
Defending champions Torino ended in fifth position this year as they beat three-time winners Clube Atletico Mineiro 2-0 with goals from Agostino Rizzo and Nicola Rauti, while the Belgian side Club Brugge finished seventh in emphatic style with a 6-0 victory over Chinese club Shandong Luneng.
Anton Tange, Rabah Mazbouh, Albion Gashi, Sven Cornette, Nurretin Demir and Ephraim Lavia all scored for the Belgians.
Mamelodi Sundowns claimed ninth place in the tournament thanks to a 1-0 victory over fellow South Africans Kaizer Chiefs.
Thabo Moloisane scored his first goal of the tournament to edge Sundowns in front Mozambican side Ferroviario de Maputo avoided finishing last as they claimed a 1-0 victory over local club Black Aces.
Cabral Americo got the only goal of the game to condemn the young Black Aces side to 12th position.
Sundowns picked up the Fair Play Award.
The winner of the Future Coaches programme was also announced with Christa Flora Kgamphe, who plays at the University of Johannesburg and is an aspiring coach.
The Gauteng Gambling Board, the Spanish LaLiga, the Clinix Health Group, Sedgars’ Winner brand, Levati Water, Motordeal and Score energy drinks supported the tournament.
The prestigious junior competition for Under-17 teams has now completed its eighth year and saw 12 clubs compete for the coveted prize.
The prize for the best supporting school went to Lulama Primary for supporting Club Tijuana.
– CAJ News
