In combat sports, the saying goes that “champions reveal themselves in the championship rounds” and this axiom feels appropriate when viewing the state of the u19 division of the Gauteng Development League.
After 23 weeks of action, during which Mamelodi Sundowns and, then, Kaizer Chiefs dominated at the top of the standings for extended periods, Highlands Park has leapfrogged their big-name title contenders to take over at the top of the log.
Early in the season, the defending champions struggled, but they’ve worked their way into form and are playing their best football when it matters most – during the championship rounds.
“The Lions of the North” thrashed a struggling Wits Junior side 5-0 at Balfour Park on the weekend to vault into first place for a first time this season.
Chiefs also won, beating coach Tumelo Ndaba‘s SuperSport United outfit in a high-scoring, high-intensity match-up at Naturena Village.
Despite Chiefs’ 4-2 victory over the Tshwane-based unit, they still slid one spot, finishing matchday 23 one point in arrears of Highlands Park.
Sundowns have endured a difficult spell, which has included defeats against Sevens Academy and SuperSport United. They tackled the School of Excellence at Clapham High School, intent on righting their ship.
Naledi Kgobe netted for the Brazilians in the first half and Inga Chawula struck in the second stanza, but the game was not completed. It came to a sudden stop when the School of Excellence walked off the field, citing grievances with the match officials. Just how the matter will be resolved remains to be seen,
In other results, Tuks beat Joburg City 2-1 away from home, Jomo Cosmos and TS Galaxy drew 2-2, while Sevens Academy beat Kathorus Hyper Academy 1-0.
NWU Vaal FC ran out 3-0 winners over Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School, Remember Elite Sport Academy recorded a 2-1 win over Panorama, and Randburg AFC and East Rand Athletic Club settled for a goalless draw.
RESULTS
Highlands Park vs Wits Junior (5-0)
Joburg City vs TUKS (1-2)
Jomo Cosmos vs TS Galaxy (2-2)
Kaizer Chiefs vs SuperSport United (4-2)
Kathorus Hyper Academy vs Sevens Academy (0-1)
NWU Vaal FC vs Rosina Sedibane Modiba SS (3-0)
Panorama FC vs Remember Elite Sports Academy (1-2)
Randburg AFC vs East Rand Athletic Club (0-0)
Mamelodi Sundowns vs School of Exccellence (Match did not finish)
SuperSport Schools Plus
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