By Dan Plouffe
The Ottawa South United Force under-14 boys’ soccer team loves gathering for their cheer of “vamos” (let’s go), but on Sept. 28 at George Nelms Sports Park, they enjoyed the exciting chance to switch from “vamos” to the rallying cry of “campeónes” (champions) after winning the Ontario Player Development League title.
Coach Mohandi Mulay, who joined OSU three years ago from Seville, has brought some Spanish flair and soccer customs to his teams. There was no better way to honor several seasons of hard work than coming together to finally be named “campeónes.”
“It’s an amazing feeling,” smiles Mulay, who hails from Western Sahara. “Especially in the way that they did it. They played very good football.”
The Force secured the OPDL league title a week before the season ended thanks to their impressive run of eight wins in eight premier division matches. It’s a flawless record in the province’s top high-performance league, but this season wasn’t without its hurdles for OSU, which faced numerous key injuries along the way.
The Force were thrilled that defender Cyrus He moved on to CF Montréal and many others attended trials with professional clubs’ academies, even though that movement might not have been ideal for chasing championships.
“We are very proud to help the kids develop,” emphasizes Mulay, noting that achieving competitive success also boosts players’ confidence.
“We want to push them to the next level,” he adds. “Many of them are pursuing dreams, so we need to try and support them. We understand it won’t be easy, but at the same time, we believe that for many of them, it is possible; so we have to instill that belief.”
Aside from their team huddle, there wasn’t much celebration when the final whistle blew because their players are keeping their eyes on bigger ambitions.
The clinching game was one they were expected to win anyway, and by the time Fraser Redpath scored OSU’s last goal in the second half making it 3-0 against Sigma FC, there was little doubt about the outcome.
Ryan Aziaba scored earlier in this match as well as Yusuf Ahmed, who has kept up nearly a goal-per-game pace with 18 total across 21 east division and premier games.
These focused boys had already accomplished another significant goal a week prior by securing a spot in next summer’s Canadian Player Development Program Championships with a top-two finish in standings.
“We are trying to keep our composure,” notes Mulay as his squad prepares for their final game against second-place Woodbridge on Sunday while aiming for two playoff victories for a Charity Shield title.
“We already qualified for nationals; that’s amazing. We became champions too; that’s fantastic! But now we want to win the Charity Shield.”
This team has become very used to winning. Even though results aren’t tracked at U13 level games, those who watched know they were unbeaten last season as well. This championship is official now; Mulay wants his players proud of what they’ve achieved; he certainly is.
“To be champions means you need consistency,” Mulay stresses. “I am very proud because with this team it’s not just about winning; it’s about how you win.
“For me, performance is crucial. They are playing really good football and improving significantly. We dedicate plenty of time on technical skills and tactical strategies along with video analysis. So I’m proud of everything we’re achieving.”
The Force U14 boys drew inspiration from older OSU teams including last year’s squad that captured gold at PDP U15 boys nationals and this year’s group coached by Mulay that earned bronze at U15 boys nationals.
“We’re part of a club where expectations are high,” he points out. “We know what people expect from us and want to maintain this high standard; that’s our legacy.”
That side’s important victory followed an agonizing loss days before against local rival Ottawa TFC; however both teams found themselves tied atop standings after Ottawa TFC fell 3-2 against London TFC. Read More: Backed by packed park, Ottawa TFC prevails over Ottawa South with late goals in OPDL battle of unbeatensAfter Saturday afternoon’s win, Mulay returned home around 11:30 p. m. and then was back at George Nelms Sports Park bright and early ahead of his younger team’s kickoff scheduled for 11:15 a. m. Mulay felt invigorated by all these events, much like how players feel before major games.
“It was tough sleeping honestly,” Mulay confesses. “But when you’re excited, when you love what you do, it’s easy getting up.”
The Ottawa TFC U15 boys alongside both OSU U14 and U15 squads are among ten local teams competing for playoff spots during OPDL’s final weekend.
The Ottawa TFC’s 4-3-1 U14 boys must win their last road game Sunday against North Toronto while hoping Oakville can upset London TFC, who hold a two-point lead for fourth place-the final playoff spot.
The solid-performing 6-2 OSU U16 boys will qualify for postseason play and aim for home advantage taking on league champion Woodbridge away. The close race continues as both sides prepare. With only two points separating four teams fighting over playoff positions amongst second through fifth places; the pressure mounts. OSU’s currently third place standing has seen them face off against bottom-ranked Oakville away in their closing contest. The strong performances continue! Both Ottawa TFC (5-3) and OSU (4-2-2) girls’ squads find themselves intertwined within tight competition-only two points apart-and each will secure playoffs if they secure victories! OSU takes on last-place Aurora Saturday while Ottawa travels north facing fifth-place North Toronto.
Finally, the struggling 3-4-1 OSU girls require victory alongside favorable outcomes elsewhere given they’re just two points shy of reaching fourth place-a reachable target shared among four contenders-as they host fourth-ranked North Toronto this Sunday.
Meanwhile, the successful Ottawa TFC girls (5-2-1) hold steady third position poised well enough for playoffs-boasting three-point cushion above Rush Canada combined with superior goal difference-finishing off Saturday versus Mississauga at Millennium Park. Help shine light on local sport! You can offer valuable support for our not-for-profit organization providing voice dedicated towards local sports through tax-deductible charitable donation directed towards OCF-FCO. ca/Ottawa-Sports-Pages-Fund today.
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Big Final Weekend Ahead for Other Local OPDL Teams
The OSU U16 girls could either become champions or miss playoffs during this final weekend of OPDL play. Mulay didn’t get much sleep ahead of his U14 boys’ championship match since he coached the U15 Force boys just a day earlier when they won 1-0 away against Tecumseh.That side’s important victory followed an agonizing loss days before against local rival Ottawa TFC; however both teams found themselves tied atop standings after Ottawa TFC fell 3-2 against London TFC. Read More: Backed by packed park, Ottawa TFC prevails over Ottawa South with late goals in OPDL battle of unbeatensAfter Saturday afternoon’s win, Mulay returned home around 11:30 p. m. and then was back at George Nelms Sports Park bright and early ahead of his younger team’s kickoff scheduled for 11:15 a. m. Mulay felt invigorated by all these events, much like how players feel before major games.
“It was tough sleeping honestly,” Mulay confesses. “But when you’re excited, when you love what you do, it’s easy getting up.”
The Ottawa TFC U15 boys alongside both OSU U14 and U15 squads are among ten local teams competing for playoff spots during OPDL’s final weekend.
The Ottawa TFC’s 4-3-1 U14 boys must win their last road game Sunday against North Toronto while hoping Oakville can upset London TFC, who hold a two-point lead for fourth place-the final playoff spot.
The solid-performing 6-2 OSU U16 boys will qualify for postseason play and aim for home advantage taking on league champion Woodbridge away. The close race continues as both sides prepare. With only two points separating four teams fighting over playoff positions amongst second through fifth places; the pressure mounts. OSU’s currently third place standing has seen them face off against bottom-ranked Oakville away in their closing contest. The strong performances continue! Both Ottawa TFC (5-3) and OSU (4-2-2) girls’ squads find themselves intertwined within tight competition-only two points apart-and each will secure playoffs if they secure victories! OSU takes on last-place Aurora Saturday while Ottawa travels north facing fifth-place North Toronto.
Finally, the struggling 3-4-1 OSU girls require victory alongside favorable outcomes elsewhere given they’re just two points shy of reaching fourth place-a reachable target shared among four contenders-as they host fourth-ranked North Toronto this Sunday.
Meanwhile, the successful Ottawa TFC girls (5-2-1) hold steady third position poised well enough for playoffs-boasting three-point cushion above Rush Canada combined with superior goal difference-finishing off Saturday versus Mississauga at Millennium Park. Help shine light on local sport! You can offer valuable support for our not-for-profit organization providing voice dedicated towards local sports through tax-deductible charitable donation directed towards OCF-FCO. ca/Ottawa-Sports-Pages-Fund today.
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