Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis said she was rather impressed with the good, young talent on show during day two of Engen Knockout Challenge at the Rooikrans Sport complex on Saturday.
Ellis along with the tournament’s technical director Duncan Crowie were of the high-profile figures braving the wet and cold weather – all for the love of the game.
The 2023 edition hosted by Wanderers FC from the Langa, was moved from the township to Grassy Park due to the waterlogged pitches in Langa caused by the torrential rain.
Day two’s action saw the under 18 boys and girls battling it out for a place in the Sunday’s semi-finals and the big showdown.
”I need to say that there is some good young talent on display,” Ellis told No Bones With Jones.
”The games were tight. Dangerous Heroes vs Goal Hunters was an interesting one. So, too, was Salt River Blackpool vs YMCA as both these matches went to penalties.
”Even Hotspurs’ match vs RV (United) was decided by a late goal. (CT) Roses also looked very good against Hotspurs,” Ellis added.
When probed over who could walk away with the title this year, Ellis replied: ”I think RV (girls) and CT Spurs (boys) and to be quite honest I haven’t studied Dangerous Heroes really,” she concluded.
Action on day three on Sunday promises to deliver some humdingers. On the boys front it will be the two academies, Cape Town Spurs vs Stellenbosch FC that will be the pick of the bunch when they battle it out for a place in the final while Rygersdal FC square up against another powerhouse and former champion, Ubuntu Academy.
In the girls’ section Roses face Ellis’ former Salt River Blackpool-club while the sparks will definitely fly when RV United and Dangerous Heroes cross swords.
