A send-off event was held on 19 July 2014 before the departure of team Western Cape for the Weifang Cup in Shandong Province, China. The Western Cape’s best under 19 football players will be competing in the cup from 27 July to 2 August 2014. The send-off was hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and Metropolitan (the two supporting partners) in Athlone.
Guests were addressed by DCAS Minister Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, who expressed her pride in the young boys in her message of well wishes. She also gave a special mention to the parents for their involvement in the boys’ success and reassured them that their sons will be well looked after by expert coaches and team management. “We need to harness the talent of these boys as they will be the future football stars and become role models for the other youngsters in their community” said Dr Mbombo.
This initiative has been made possible by a sport cooperation agreement between the Western Cape- and Shandong province. The team will be departing from Cape Town International Airport on 23 July 2014.
One of the team members, Adrian Jaftha (18) of Morgenster United, said he is looking forward to his first experience oversees “This is a big opportunity for me and I am really excited.” said Jafta. The team will be playing against international clubs from countries such as Brazil, China and Portugal.
The under 19 team representing the Western Cape is as follows: Byron Mckellar (Captain), Sinako Magadla (Vice captain), Adrian Jaftha (Assistant), Bulelani Cola, Shuaib Adams, Reagan Jacobs, Douglas Maloy, Riyaaz Ismail, Dean Kowalski, Devon Wood, Aushron Kruger, Fawaaz Basadien, Roberto Slater, Tauriq Dien, Ashley Blou, Melcolm Meyer, Glen Hahn and Zukile Kewuti. Attending the tournament along with the team is Patrick Williams (Manager), Douglas Solomons (Assistant coach), Marius Fourie (Head coach), Michael Bruyns (Administration), John Rangoli (Administration), Goliath Munro (Head of delegation), Bennett Bailey (DCAS official) and Shaundre Jacobs (Sport science/Medical).
