Invincible Stellies crowned U-18 league champions
Stellenbosch FC’s U-18 team have completed a remarkable league campaign after going unbeaten to be crowned the 2024 Two Oceans LFA City Stream champions.
Led by coach Jean-Pierre Farrugia, Stellenbosch FC’s Young Maroons won their domestic league campaign for the first time in the club’s history after winning 14 and drawing four of their 18 Two Oceans LFA City Stream matches for the season.
Read | Barker: We have to keep raising the bar and demand excellence
“The boys had a ground-breaking league season and absolutely exceeded expectations as a group,” Farrugia said. “We didn’t really think it could get much better than last season, but they have stepped up and created their own little bit of history.
“This is the first time that our U-18 team has ever won their league, so it is a historical moment for the club in that regard and a special moment to remember and celebrate.
“Ubuntu FC have been very dominant in our division in recent years so to dethrone is a fantastic achievement for us, and to do it with this group of players has made it even sweeter.”
The end of the league campaign also brought an end to the U-18 team’s season, in which they played 29 matches across all competitions, winning the Two Oceans LFA City Stream and retaining their title at the Western Cape Engen Knockout Challenge.
Indeed, the only defeat the team suffered all season was in the final of the Engen Champ of Champs where Farrugia’s charges, competing as reigning champions, were narrowly pipped by Kaizer Chiefs.
Read | Confirmed fixture details for Carling Knockout quarter-finals
“Moments and seasons like these don’t happen often in football, so it is important that we celebrate and remember them,” Farrugia concluded. “It is a great achievement for the club and I’m happy very happy that we can celebrate these young players.
“Behind the scenes, they have done a tremendous amount of work and I just hope that they can go from strength to strength from here on out.”