Fish Hoek-based Ubuntu Football Academy’s fairytale Coke Cup campaign came to an end when they lost 3-1 against Cape Town City in the under-18 cup final, at Athlone Stadium, at the weekend.
The junior Citizens exploited a moment of indecision in front of goal in the opening minutes of the game to go 1-0 up, courtesy of Cee-Jay Bezuidenhout.
Despite getting off to a shaky start, Ubuntu’s young lads, essentially an under-17 team with a number of under-16s and even under-15s, did well to regain their composure, stringing together a series of decent passes but failing to find the back of the net.
Things went from bad to worse for coach Moritz Kossman’s side as City extended their lead to 2-0 with a brilliant strike by Gabriel Amoto shortly before half-time and went 3-0 up after the break thanks to Ibongwe Tsaka.
As in the first half, Ubuntu’s talented bunch responded well, never giving up, with Siviwe Magidigidi eventually pulling one back towards the end to finish the game 3-1.
“It’s been an awesome campaign for us,” said Kossman, “from the round of 256, it’s seven rounds before the final, so eight games in total. I think I can see a lot of growth in the team and in the individuals over that period, playing in various conditions, difficult conditions with bumpy fields and challenging opponents.”
Understandably disappointed, Kossman and co deserve credit for an impressive performance throughout the competition, including the final, despite the scoreline.
“The final was of course a really big occasion with a big stadium and a pretty big crowd.
“We made some mistakes that ultimately cost us but I’m still proud of the way the boys responded during the game, how when we went a couple of goals down we responded to that, never gave up,” he said.
“We still pulled a goal back, and had a big shout for a penalty. It means a lot to us to have made it to the final. I’m very proud of the boys, the staff, the coaches, the organisation for having gotten that far.
“It’s now our second year in the competition, last year we made the semi, this year we made the final,” he said.
“In the last 10 to15 minutes we pulled one back, competing right up to the final minute.
“Siviwe scored, he had a good game, awarded player of the tournament, rightfully so, he had a good campaign, two for Coke Cup,” Moritz said.
“Losing a final is something we would’ve liked to have avoided. Never-the-less, what really is important is the development of the players and ultimately this tournament and this experience in the finals will stand us in good stead when it comes to the development of our players. Congratulations to City. They’ve had an amazing year at under-18, winning the Engen, making the final of the national as well as winning the Coke Cup now. Defending the Coke Cup is no small achievement. Credit to them,” he said.
“The second goal they scored was beautifully taken. At 2-0 down before half-time, you try to adjust a little to come back. The third goal was probably one too far,” he said.
