Valentine named goalkeeper-of-the-tournament

A solid performance throughout the six-day competition saw Ubuntu Football Academy’s Jaden Valentine named goalkeeper-of-the-tournament, following his side’s 2-0 win against Randburg FC, at Athlone Stadium, on Monday. 

Having kept a clean sheet in the round of 16, quarters, semi-final and the final as well as two crucial penalty saves in his side’s quarter-final match against FN Rangers, solidified his position as one of the tournament’s top shot-stoppers.

Former professional footballer and goalkeeper coach, Farouk Abrahams, who handed Valentine his trophy at the post-final awards presentation, considers him a natural.

“I would give him a solid rating in shot stopping, communication, distribution, and playing out from the back,” said Abrahams.”He can however  improve in his decision-making under the high ball... deciding early whether to catch or punch high crosses into the box is crucial to inspiring confidence. He could well make an impression at a higher level,” Abrahams said.

Much like Abrahams, Valentine also started out as a striker but once he made the switch to goalkeeper he was hooked, the youngster said.

Of course, being in goal comes with pressure, he said, but it is exactly what drives him to do better. 

“I will remember the unity and team spirit the most from this tournament. The spirit in the camp was high before the tournament as well as throughout the tournament and that made all the difference in winning this cup,” he said.

”The chemistry and brotherhood will forever be unforgettable.”