29 May 2009

Academy’s New Arrivals

Maritzburg United's Academy welcomed Mazibuko Mlungisi a goal keeper, left wide midfielder Langa Khaya, left back Mlaba Kwanda and central defender Simingaye Ntuli from Maritzburg United U17 squad. The players are now residents of the Academy and have worked hard to reach this stage.

The players were training with the Academy Team for the past three months and impressed Coach Katz Naidoo.

" They have shown that they have the potential to compete in the next level and I must congratulate their Coach Themba Dlamini for the bringing these youngsters through," said Naidoo.

Coach Dlamini was full of praise for his former chargers whom have all played a key role in the U17’s League and Cup double last season. "Besides their technical and tactical capabilities they have shown discipline and commitment to have earned this promotion," added Dlamini. "Further these boys have started their careers in the U15 team which makes me proud and happy. They had an opportunity to make the Academy set up.

"I also feel that it is rewarding that these players have come through our programme and it shows that our training and playing philosophy is starting to bear fruit and it gratifying that our development players have made the cut.

"It is not going to be easy in the Castle League where the Academy Team campaigns and they are very young but I am sure theyare equal to the challenge.

Naidoo said, "this sends a message to all our aspiring players that the goal is to to reach the Academy stage. It is vital that our players on the programme are considered based on the development from the pre-formation stage to this level which is apprenticship stage."

A proud Coach Themba Dlamini (centre) congratulates his former lads, from the left Mlungisi Mazibuko, Khaya Langa, Kwanda Mlaba and Simingaye Ntuli.