Spurs starlet returns home as COSAFA champion 

A Cape Town Spurs starlet and his South Africa teammates were crowned as 2025 COSAFA Under-17 Championship winners in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Aqeel Hess was part of the Amajimbos squad that dominated the tournament, winning all of their Group B matches against Zambia, Madagascar and Malawi.

South Africa maintained their winning form in the knockout phase as they thrashed Comoros 7-0 in the semi-finals, which saw coach Vela Khumalo’s side qualify for the 2026 U17 AFCON.

Amajimbos were then crowned champions of the Southern African champions after defeating Angola 2-1 in the final on September 20 and they lifted the coveted trophy. 

Hess is now back home in Cape Town as a regional champion and the gifted left-footed defender will be looking to be part of South Africa’s 2026 U17 AFCON squad. 

For now, the teenage sensation is expected to feature for Spurs in youth tournaments, including the 2025 SAFA Cape Town Coca Cola Amateur Cup.

Spurs are one of the four semi-finalists after emerging as 2-0 winners against Hanover Park in the under-18 category and the Urban Warriors will soon discover their next opponents.