Adelaide United Reserves clinched the Reserves Federation Cup on Saturday afternoon, defeating Sturt Lions 1–0 at ServiceFM Stadium.
A second-half strike from Kaspar Kuzman proved the difference, with the young Reds holding firm in a competitive final full of chances.
The breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Kuzman found the net, giving Adelaide United the lead and ultimately sealing the trophy.
The win also marked another positive step in the Club’s youth pathway, with several players involved in Saturday’s triumph having lifted the Under 18 Federation Cup with Football SA just 12 months earlier.
Deklan Cooper-Ndambuki, Kaspar Kuzman, Riad Rarhidi, Kalan Alagich, Mitch Knight, Joel Ochieng and Campbell Mattner were all part of that Under 18 success, highlighting the continued progression of young South Australian players through the Football SA and Adelaide United pathway.
Head of Youth Football Paul Vanis said the experience of playing in a final was an important moment for the group’s development.
“Games like this are always valuable for young players,” Vanis said.
“To play in a final, under pressure, with something on the line, is a really important part of their development. It’s great reward for the hard work the boys have put in, not just on the day but over a long period.
“A number of these players were part of the Under 18 success last year, so to see them continue to progress and now win at Reserves level is really pleasing. It shows there are good signs in the pathway and that the players are taking steps forward.
“If they continue to work hard, stay committed to improving themselves as individuals they’ll have more opportunities to play in more matches like this.”
The result caps off another strong moment for Adelaide United’s youth program, with the Club continuing to provide opportunities for young players to develop and perform in meaningful senior football environments.
Squad
Starting XI
#48 Bae Versace (off 88’)
#56 Jerome Scarfo (off 88’)
#70 Laris Cesko (GK)
#75 Fabian Grelli (C)
#82 Chris Irakoze (off 72’)
#83 Mitch Knight
#84 Kaspar Kuzman
#85 Deklan Cooper-Ndambuki
#86 Luke Hurst (off 23’)
#88 Kalan Alagich
#91 Riad Rarhidi (off 72’)
Substitutes
#47 Mutsa Mupandawana (on 72’)
#53 Emerson Koenig (on 23’)
#61 Iluka Wootton (on 88’)
#73 Jacob Kabazo (on 72’)
#80 Campbell Mattner (GK)
#92 Joel Ochieng (on 88’)
