AmaZulu Talent Searching August 22, 2009 Several AmaZulu Development Coaches had on their talent spotting spectacles on Friday at the Umlazi Schools Mega Bonanza Football Festival held at Isipingo Beach Grounds.

Thami ‘TV’ Ngubane; Development Head, Thulani ‘Tiger’ Hlatshwayo; Under 17, Lindani ‘Dito’ Mkhize; Under 17, Thulani ‘Mpandla’ Cele; Durban Warriors, Sazi ‘Ninja’ Ngubane; Under 13, Fish Zondo; Under 13 and Sunny ‘Venter’ Mtshali were all looking for a few reinforcements for their respective teams.

As many as 24 schools took part in this tournament founded by Chairperson, Zamani Siyothula.

“The initiative was just an idea I shared with a couple of friends like Japhet Zwane. I told him about my desire to get sponsorship for hosting this tournament and he told me to get in touch with AmaZulu and they assisted with refreshments and were here as scouts as well,” said an excited Siyothula.

Siyathola says the Umlazi Schools Football Committee’s objective is to give club scouts the opportunity to observe and follow the progress of players from schools, which is the key to sourcing talent.

He makes mention of Usuthu all-time great Sugar Ray Xulu as an added profile booster to the games.

“We appreciate the positive response we got from a respected man like ‘bra’ Ray. He chose to spend a whole day with us in the sunny weather,” he said.

Umlazi Schools Football Committee was very pleased with the success of the games. The pool of sponsors ranged from AmaZulu FC, Engen Petroleum, Rhino Cash & Carry, Solly M Sports and Capitec Bank Limited among others.

The finals for the schools that won in the knockouts will be held next week on 28 August at SJ Smith Stadium, in Umlazi.

In the juniors: Isikhumbuzo Junior v Sithandiwe Junior

Girls’ Senior Primary Division: Isipingo Senior Girls v Isikhumbuzo Junior

High Schools Girls: Ogwini High v Swelihle

Senior Boys: Bantuvukani v Manyuswa

High Schools Boys: Umlazi High v Menzi High

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Article and photos by Nhlanhla Brilliant Mkhathini