Ajax
Cape Town were crowned champions of the Manchester United Premier Cup South
Africa Finals after beating SuperSport United 2-1 in the final match played at
the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto today. This is the first time that
Ajax Cape Town lifted the MUPC cup in the 15 years of it being hosted in South
Africa, and will go on to represent South Africa at the Global Finals being
held in Shanghai, China in July this year.
The
two-day tournament saw eight professional teams competing for the coveted
title. Defending champions from last year, Orlando Pirates found the going
tough this year when they were eliminated in the group stages on Day 1 after
losing their first two matches and drawing the last. They were drawn in what
was dubbed ‘the group of death’ alongside Ajax Cape Town, newcomers Izichwe FC
and Supersport United.
Nike
athlete, and Bafana Bafana midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane attended the final
to show support to the finalists and assisted with the prize-giving
ceremony.
The
MUPC 2012 player of the tournament as voted for by the coaches was Zama
Rambuwane from Supersport United. The top goal scorer award was shared by
Avuyile Mkhundlu (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Witness Mathebula (Diambars FC), who
netted four goals each in the tournament.
“This
year, the MUPC was highly competitive and it dished up some great football from
the youngsters. We wish Ajax Cape Town all the best as they represent SA in the
global finals. It is an amazing experience for these youngsters to play semi-professional
football at this age which only the MUPC can offer at such a competitive
level,” says Seruscka Naidoo, Communications Manager for Nike South
Africa."
Semi-Finals
Ajax Cape Town 2-1 Diambars
SuperSport
United 4-2 Bidvets Wits (the game ended 0-0 and SuperSport United won on
penalties)
3rd/4th Place
Play-Off
Diambars 2-0 Bidvest Wits
Final
Ajax Cape Town 2-1 SuperSport United
