Pefa junior leagues attract more than 500 players from 14 clubs

THE PE Football Association junior leagues swung into action on Sunday, with more than 500 players from nine to 17 years old comprising 45 teams from 14 clubs taking to various fields around the city.

In the under-9 division, Callies Bravehearts held Priory Rangers to a 4-4 draw, with a brace of goals each by Marc Venter and Nicolas Hargreaves for Rangers.

Log-leaders Callies Highlanders beat St George's Braves 6-0.

In the U11 division, Callies B put up a massive effort to hold second-placed PE City to a goalless draw at Londt Park, while Priory and FC Mabayibone from Walmer played to a 3-3 draw.

In the U13 division, St George's beat Highbury 2-1 at the Bridgemead fields to seal the top spot on the log at the end of the first round with 24 points.

Callies A follow closely with 21 points and United Brothers are in third place with 15 points.

The Callies U13B team put up a huge effort to hold FC Mabayibone to a 2-2 draw, with both Callies' goals coming from Joshua Koen.

In the U15 division, the St George's Colts upset Callies A in a gutsy performance to win 2-0 at the Union-Olympic field in Park Drive.

Siya Bafu scored for St George's with a first-half penalty, while striker Hloma Ngcikwe rounded off a fantastic move to put the Colts 2-0 up.

However, this was not enough to displace Callies from top spot on the log at the end of the first round with 20 points.

Hearts Eagles drew 2-2 with KwaDwesi All Stars, while Highbury and NMMU also played to a 2-2 draw.

In the other U15 game, Motherwell Academy thumped Hearts Hawks 6-1 at Lawson Brown.

There were no matches in the U17 division, where St George's occupy top spot going into the second round. Motherwell Academy and United Brothers are in close pursuit.

This weekend sees the U17 Engen Knockout Challenge at the Gelvan fields with St George's and KwaDwesi All Stars flying the Pefa flag.