Mixed results for Hout Bay juniors at Unity Cup

Hout Bay United Football Community (HBUFC) junior sides performed well at the weekend’s Unity Cup soccer tournament, in Steenberg.

After making it through the group stages, HBUFC’s under-10s faced a highly-rated Hellenic in the quarter-finals. 

The under-10s got their campaign off to a flying start, beating Strandfontein 5-1 in their opening group stage fixture.

However, the under-12s struggled to find their rhythm, going down 1-0 in their opener against FC Kapstadt and eventually bowed out of the winner's section.

Despite the results not going their way, coach Sonwable “Wabz” Landu's young charges did not walk away empty-handed as they beat Northpine 1-0 to win the Plate Section.

Wabz’ close friend and namesake, Sonwabile “Soso” Mbiko took charge of the under-10s, who, despite losing their championship quarter-final 6-1 against Hellenic, had a reasonable outing, beating Stephanian-Ottery 1-0 in the last round of 16 to set up a quarter-final date against Hellenic.

“The game started on a very high tempo, but unfortunately for us, we were second best in everything, conceding three goals in the first half from two corner kicks and a cross," said Landau.

"We couldn't deal with the balls played in our box and went on to concede more goals in the second half,  two from open play and two via crosses,” he said.

Despite having a miserable day at the office, Hout Bay pulled one back in the dying minutes of the game.

"All I can say is that we had a great learning experience, now we know what to work on going forward,” said Landu.