Stellenbosch FC were crowned Premier League Next Generation champions for the second time in three years after beating English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspurs.
The DStv Diski Challenge champions started the game on the front foot, pushing for that opening goal. After just six minutes, Langelihle Phili had a glorious opportunity but his shot went wide. Stellies midfielder Ethan Felix then unleashed a beautiful cross but his ball was cleared by the last line of defence.
After 16 minutes, Ethab Felix and Quwan Plaatjies connected very well but Kyle Bailey’s shot was saved by the Spurs goalkeeper for a corner-kick.
Nineteen minutes in the first half, Stellenbosch finally broke the deadlock after Bailey, combined with Keenan Johanessen to find captain Shaakir Ahmed, who made no mistake and put Stellies ahead.
Three minutes later, Stellies made it 2-0 as Shaakir Ahmed delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, finding Bailey unmarked and he made converted the chance.
Spurs came back in the second half, trying to push for that first goal, but Stellenbosch remained firm as they had one hand on the trophy. Phili had a chance to make it 3-0 but his shot was saved by the Spurs goalkeeper.
The EPL side kept on pushing and Stellies found their backs against the wall, but they struggled to penetrate the stubborn Stellenbosch defence.
Evangelos Vellios’ side made it four wins in four games, keeping the three Premier League sides out to lift the trophy.
