Sihle Mthembu records the superb landmark achieved by a local soccer team.
Virginia United Football Club has a longstanding track record of excellence, but it’s the performances of their junior team over the past few years that has become something of folklore. Earlier this year the U13A team made front page news when they notched up a staggering 100 games undefeated – winning 98 of those matches and only drawing two.
In the picture: Virginia United’s team of invincibles . . . they recorded 100 games without defeat. Click on the image to enlarge.
Wentzel Moodley, the head coach of the team since their winning streak began, says that the club owes its success to the continuity within the team and the love of the game shared by him and his young stars.
“It’s a given that if you really want to succeed, you must be passionate about the sport,” says Moodley. “These boys really enjoy playing – whether at practice or matches – and don’t miss either unless it is beyond their control.”
An executive at financing firm Deloitte, Moodley says that he initially got involved with the team when he moved to La Lucia in 2002. “I’m very passionate about football and my son Myron displayed some good skills at a very young age. When we moved to La Lucia Myron was keen to play for a club and we were introduced to Virginia United Football Club.”
Even sweeter
What makes the club’s successes even sweeter is not only the length of their success but also the number of goals they’ve scored. Over the past six years the young players have piled up a whopping 549 goals and only conceded 36 – ensuring that the team has been crowned league and cup winners for five seasons in a row.
Speaking on some of the memories, Moodley says there are many, but his early years with the team stand out the most. “Winning the first of five league and cup doubles is the most memorable, and also receiving the Virginia Team of the Year Award in 2006.”
Despite the many victories of his current breed of players, Moodley says there is still a need to develop players from a young age, and that young talent needs to be nurtured and encouraged.
“Parents need to get directly involved…coaching, managing,” says Moodley.
The U13A team has been invited to participate in the Super Tournament to be held in Dubai from April 9-12 next year, where they’ll be competing with teams from the UK, Egypt, United States and many other parts of the world. As expected, Moodley said the team is working hard and preparing for the event and will hopefully represent Durban and South Africa well.
“A huge passion for the game, lots of hard work, commitment and most of all team-work contributed to these outstanding achievements, and being given this wonderful opportunity of travelling abroad and experiencing an event of this nature,” concluded Moodley .
For more info: wmoodley@deloitte.co.za