For 16 long years, generation after generation of young footballers pulled on the famous Wynberg St Johns (WSJ) colours dreaming of lifting the club’s own prestigious Under-10 tournament trophy.
This year, that dream finally became reality.
In the 35th edition of the annual WSJ’s u10 Tournament, the host club produced mature performances for their ages, capturing the championship title and ending a painful 16-year wait for a home side to be crowned champions.
But merely winning the tournament was not enough for this outstanding group of youngsters.
Under the mentorship and guise of coach Niven Naidoo and coach Bradley Mampies, WSJ completely dominated proceedings, walking away with several major accolades on offer.
Leading from the front was captain Zaeem Murphy, whose inspirational performances earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award. At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Daniel Robertson proved almost unbeatable throughout the competition.
Robertson conceded just two goals during the entire tournament, producing a series of crucial saves on the way to being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. The achievements reflect not only the talent within the squad but also the hard work and commitment shown throughout the season.
For the players, coaches and parents, lifting the trophy on home soil made the victory even sweeter. The success served as the perfect ending to a memorable campaign and highlighted the bright future that lies ahead for this talented group of youngsters.
Winning your own tournament always carries special significance but ending a 16-year drought while sweeping up the individual honours makes this triumph one that will be remembered for years to come at WSJ.
The Class of 2026 has definitely etched its name into club history, not simply as tournament winners, but as the team that brought the trophy home at last.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
