A group of young footballers from De Beers AFC are reaping the rewards of their hard work ploughed into this season and fast making waves in local soccer circles as they produce one standout performance after another.
The under-12 team of the Somerset West club are fresh from their 0-3 loss in the final league match – and decider – against FC Kapstadt on Sunday (9 October). The defeat means the local side ended third, only six points adrift of the eventual winner, in the Premier League Division 2 of the Cape Town Tygerberg Local Football Association (CTTLFA). Even more impressive is the fact De Beers already clinched the CTTLFA Knockout Cup after their 4-3 victory over Tramway FC on Saturday 24 September.
But the outstanding performances don’t stop there; the Somerset West charges produced an excellent display of footie when they participated in the biggest grassroots tournament, the Kapstadt Cup, at Athlone Stadium from Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October. De Beers advanced to the semi-final of the prestigious tournament, but were pipped at the post by professional outfit Mamelodi Sundowns. However, their achievement must be applauded, as they were the only amateur club to reach this stage and scored the most goals in the under-12 division of the tourney.
Proud coach Junaid Roopnarain is elated by his troops’ performances this season, attributing their success to the players’ passion and overall togetherness. “Their attitude at this young age speaks volumes. At training they work like true professionals, and their discipline and mutual respect are what makes this group reach optimum performances on and off the pitch.”
It was their ability to band together as a team that most impressed Roopnarain, who has been affiliated to De Beers as player and coach since 2008. This collective aspect played a vital role in the team’s success, he pointed out. “They relied on their teammates to help bring that success about, and they acknowledge that as a team. In football, there is an old saying, ‘together everyone achieves more’, but individual players play a big part too. That balance must be found . . . With this team, we’ve found that balance and we’re working on improving the foundation laid to go even further next season.”
The coach believes the team has plenty to offer as they wade their way through age-group football in Cape Town, and said it is key that the unit remain together for the next few years, especially as they take the next step to playing in the under-14 age group next year.
“I’d like to thank the parents and club members for the opportunity to coach this amazing up-and-coming talent, and the De Beers AFC committee and life members for the responsibility to coach at a club with such a great heritage.”
