Author: sipongco

Mini Khoza, the director of soccer at Northwood expressed how proud he is of his team for an unforgettable year. With the team travelling to Port Elizabeth for the first time and in other places such as East London, Mini Khoza said the team has done well and probably exceeded expectations putting in dominance week in and week out. 

This past Saturday, 09 September, Northwood played their last fixtures against Maritzburg College, another side that has enjoyed a great deal of success in 2023. Coming into this fixture, Maritzburg had been clear favourites having dominated in their encounters this season. However, with these two sides you can never conclude who will walk out as victors. 

Playing at home, Northwood High School’s first team took advantage of that, in a goal thriller match that had the spectators on the edge of their seats. The ‘Knights’ first team, Northwood won the game by 3-2 to finish the year. In a game that Maritzburg College had the ball in the first few minutes of the game and in the second half, Northwood managed to hold on to the game defeating arguably the best teams in the KZN Schools Football League in 2023. 

Northwood High School’s first team is set to lose out on several first team players who played an important role in the year of 2023. Usiphile Nxele, their captain who has led the team and rescued them on numerous occasions is one the matriculants who has dawned the knight jersey for the last time. Vice-Captain, Ethan Chetty, another outstanding leader in and off the field, as described by Mini Khoza also played his last game for the Northwood. 

Other players include, Guy Truscott (Head Boy), Vukile Hlombe (Team Manager), Ethan Hutton, Alessandro Bou-Melhem, Sbonga Ngubane, Otha Xaba, Seth Singh, Blaine Bishop, Isaac Adeboye, Reinhardt Nel, Ethan Lawrence. 

Soccer Results:

Northwood vs Maritzburg College, 09 September

On top of an amazing year for the Northwood Soccer team, one of their star players, Zethembiso Phenyana is set to travel to Germany to compete in the FC Bayern International Youth Cup after showing an impressive and dominant football during the FC Bayern Youth Cup in Northwood High School. With high praises from his coaches, Zethembiso also praised his entire team for hard work, and for showing hunger in each and every single game they have played. 

Highlighting the highs and lows of this year, Khoza said one of the biggest moments for the team and the school was the unveiling of their new soccer change room. Thanking the school and in particular the Old Boys contribution for the generous donations and for leaving a legacy into the school’s soccer team and for the next generations to come. He ensured that the boys will utilize the room to the best of their capabilities. 

Cape Town Roses and Stellenbosch FC will have an opportunity to represent Cape Town at the Champion of Champions of the Engen Knockout Challenge. 

Cape Town Roses u20 ladies successfully defended their crown following a 2-0 victory over RV United Women’s Football Club as they brought the trophy home and secured a place for them to compete in the Engen Champs of Champs against other teams in the country. 

Cape Town Roses convincingly defeated Salt River Blackpool FC by 2-1 in order to place themselves in the final of the competition. Their counterparts RV United Women’s Football Club defeated Dangerous Heroes by 4-2 on penalties after both teams held each other by 1-1. 

Dangerous Heroes went to settle for the third place as they thumped Salt River Blackpool FC by 5-2. 

Coach Madikane of Cape Town Roses spoke about the importance of resilience after a tough competition that had the strongest teams in the region. He highly commanded the players to hang in there, by showing strength and pulling a strong fight until the last minute.

Boys Competition, u18 

Stellenbosch Football Academy’s run to glory had to be concluded on penalties as they showed how impressive they were in penalties by knocking out Cape Town Spurs in the semi-finals. They went on to do the same in the final defeating UBuntu FC in the penalties to win the Cape Town Engen Knockout Challenge. 

UBuntu FC’s road to the final saw them playing against Rygersdal FC who they defeated by 2-1 to secure a place in the final. 

After a goalless final, with both teams failing to score a goal, Stellenbosch saw themselves going into the penalties once again. Ubuntu failing to convert their penalties, they saw themselves losing out on the gold by 5-3 in favour of Stellenbosch FC. 

Tylon Smith of Stellenbosch Football Academy had a fantastic tournament as he picked up a personal accolade as the defender of the tournament at this year’s Engen knockout tournament. 

Zethembiso reflects on the season thus far and he speaks highly about his passion for football on and off the field. He is among the ten players selected during the FC Bayern Youth Cup in Northwood that will be travelling to Germany in 2024. 

During an interview with Zethembiso, he says he would like to score more goals, and end up a top scorer this season in school’s football. Furthermore, he would like to achieve more individuals’ goals and awards together with the team of Northwood High School. 

Zethembiso says being a student and a player comes up with its own challenges and difficulties. “Sometimes you get to travel long distances and you come up with fatigue, and at that you still have an assignment to complete, after all school work comes first”, he said. 

One of the challenges that he has had to face, is finding himself as a young player and he believes that this is something most young players must face in their daily lives. Another thing that he must face is negative comments being said behind your back. 

However, Zethembiso says the best thing he could do in those circumstances is take those comments, work hard and use them as fuel in order to get stronger as a young player and footballer. “Also, I have to learn that as a player you are not just playing for yourself, but you are playing for a team that has built a winning structure”, he said. 

“The team of Northwood is blessed with a highly working team, we have the best technical team out there, I believe so. Our coaches have included our directors who know the players very well on a personal level. They know how to position each player to the best of their abilities” Zethembiso said. 

Lesson learnt as a young footballer from Zethembiso, “Consistency is key, without consistency, hard work and determination you are bound to get nowhere in life, those few words have become part of my daily life including prayer”, he said.

Nicknamed as Zet, Kyle Walker or Cristiano Ronaldo, his favourite is Cristiano Ronaldo. Playing left winger, Zet says he always identified with Ronaldo, and he is the one that got him to play football. 

Zethembiso expressed how proud he is and still shocked that he was selected amongst the ten players to compete in the international FC Bayern Youth Cup. “I was shocked to hear my name being called, like is this really happening, but at the same time, I thank God because I know without Him none of this is possible”, Zethembiso said. 

Moving forward, he spoke about the importance of keeping his head high for the remainder of the season and that he stays fit and continues to score goals. 

In closing, Zethembiso said his dreams of becoming a professional footballer or a sports scientist. He says he finds these professions aligning with each other, and even if he doesn’t become a professional footballer, he will still be in the profession of football. 

In celebration of Women’s Day on 9 August, eNanda township in the province of KwaZulu Natal, MJ Sports hosted the ‘Here for Her” soccer games. 

Inanda Divas were crowned the inaugural champions of the tournament topping the group with seven points. Inanda Divas’ impressive win came against Mortality Ladies FC, when they were defeated by 8-0. 

Inanda Divas also defeated Lacoste Ladies by 3-0. Junior Classic Ladies were the only team not to concede a goal against the full attacking force of Inanda Ladies. However, that did not stop the Inanda Ladies from winning the championship. 

Junior Classic Ladies were the only threatening side to the champions, Inanda Divas. Junior Classic Ladies lost the trophy by a goal difference as they tied the champions with seven points after two impressive wins and a goalless draw with their rivals in the chase of glory. 

The director of MJ Sports, Mfanakuthi Myeni said, the event was a success despite having two teams that pulled at the last minute. Having to adjust, the tournament ended up with a single group made of four teams. 

“Nonetheless, football won at the end of the day”, Myeni said. 

Each team was also rewarded with 30 sanitary pads as a token of appreciation to all the young girls who participated in the tournament. 

Tournament Honors:

Top Goalscorer: Akhona Hlela (6 goals) 

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Amanda Nyoka of Inanda Divas walked away as the goalkeeper of the tournament without conceding a goal. 

Player of the Tournament: Kamva Mqoboli 

Brebner High School defeat King Edward VII by 2-1 as they walk victorious at St David’s Marist Inanda Soccer Challenge. 

Brebner High School started the few minutes by playing defence as they were overwhelmed by the aggressive and attacking full force of the King Edward VII School. However, Brebner took the first lead in the 4th minute of the game from a corner kick. 

Brebner continued to rely heavily by posing dangerous counter attacks and set pieces in the first half of the match. 

Both teams, very tactical strong, continued to put pressure on each other, with the goalkeepers being left to put out incredible saves at the back. 

King Edward’s goalkeeper, continued to save his team in the second half but he could not hold for long as his defence was broken time and time again. 

Brebner’s second goal came in the early rounds of the second half, from a beautifully converted strike out of the box. 

King Edward’s consoling goal came in the closing minutes of the game. Despite looking a much sharper side towards the end of the game, Brebner managed to hold and stick to their game plan even though their legs looked worn out. 

Final standings 

1. Brebner
2. KES
3. Norkem Park
4. St Stithians
5. St David’s Marist Inanda 
6. St Peter’s
7. St Benedict’s 
8. St John’s
9. Grey College
10. Parktown
11. Hilton
12. Marist Linmeyer
13. Jeppe
14. Michaelhouse
15. St Alban’s 
16. St Andrew’s

On Wednesday, MJ Sports will host the inaugural ‘Here for Her” soccer games in Newton Sports Ground. 

Mfanakuthi Myeni of the MJ Sports organization is calling on the local fans to come through and enjoy a great day of entertaining football.

MJ Sports helps alleviate social ills such as the use of illegal substances through sport. Myeni said, they strive to promote young athletes in football and other sporting code areas. 

Inspired by the ongoing ‘Here for Her’ Campaign by SuperSport TV, the aim of the competition is to bring the “Here for Here Vibe” that’s being seen on the television to the dusty fields of Inanda and the surrounding areas. 

To make women’s football in our society feel part of the ‘Here for Here’ campaign that’s trending in SA, Mfanakuthi Myeni said. 

“This also coincided with the fact that lady’s soccer has not had much attention locally, so we took it upon ourselves to remind the community of Inanda and the surrounding areas that women’s football is still active, and we want to see it supported in every possible way, Mfanakuthi Myeni said. 

MJ Sports continues to grow from its inception in 2020, and with the ‘Here for Her’ soccer games tournament, Myeni says he hopes they can be able to assist young players to go from strength to strength in their quest to professional football. 

“We have a vision to someday be the leading source of sporting talent and the best event organizers in Durban and KZN province and that we can give spotlight to the young talent here to other bigger football institutions in the country.”

Fixtures

Group A

Group B 

The Rand Central League, u17 returned after weeks of soccer provincial tournaments held at the Gauteng province. 

Stars of Africa FC continued with their winning streak taking them to 9 games unbeaten since the beginning of the 2023 season. The log leaders defeated Flying Eagles FC by 2-1 on the 23 of July. 

Stars of Africa FC sits at the top position, 27 points and three games in hand. In the second position is FC Real with 26 points and a game in hand. After 11 games Wits Junior FC, sit at the third position, 2 points behind the log leaders. 

Going into the weekend, Stars of Africa FC will have a strong chance to strengthen their lead in position one as they take on the 6th place, Velocity FC on 28 July. 

RCLFA, u17 Fixtures 

Friday, 28 July 

Velocity FC vs Stars of Africa FC 

Sunday, 30 July 

Midrand United FC vs FC Leapers
Ecclesia Football Academy vs Wits Junior
FC Real vs Westrand Ballers FA
Flying Eagles vs Velocity
Football Elite FC vs Valley FC
Gold City Royals FC vs Stars of Africa FC
Panorama FC vs Starlets SoE

The count-down to the Engen Knockout Challenge in Cape Town closes by. 

Some of the best teams and academies in the Western Cape province will battle it all out for this year’s Cape Town Engen Knockout Challenge on 28-30 July. 

With the excitement building to the weekend, once again, the country will witness the future stars of South African football battling on the field at Langa Stadium.  

For 21 years Engen Soccer has continued its support and investment to the growth of South African football by giving lifetime opportunities to young players across the country to showcase their talent at the highest stage of level. 

The growth continues and this weekend will be no different as the excitment and anticipation draws to the mother-city. 

Professional teams such as Cape Town City FC, Cape Town Spurs, other football academies such as Ubuntu FC, Wanderers FC will all be competing for the grand prize of the Cape Town Engen Knockout Challenge. 

During the weekend, Kearsney College welcomed teams across the country to its inaugural Kearsney Soccer Tournament. 

The school hosted teams from afar as the Western Cape, Gauteng and Eastern Cape province. Some of the schools that featured in the tournament included power houses such as Paul Roos Gymnasium, TuksSport High School, Durban High School, Urban Academy and many more. 

The tournament featured boys’ and girls’ competition spanning across primary and high school levels. 

A spectacular fashion with dramatic end, huge surprises and shocking defeats as the competition intensified over a period of three days, 14-16 July.

Durban High School were crowned as the senior winners of the soccer tournament, defeating TuksSport High School on penalties.

A dramatic end to a fantastic final, as Durban High School equalized in the last minute of the game after TuksSport High School held the 1-0 lead for a long duration of the game. 

Huge blow to the TuksSport High School as they thought they had put the game to bed, but then went on to lose the final on the penalty shootout by 3-1. 

Edendale Technical High, one of the power houses in the sport of soccer in South Africa were also crowned as the champions of the girl’s competition, joining Durban High School and the Hillcrest Primary who won the primary boy’s competition. 

All three finals were decided on the penalty shootout in what turned out to be a dramatic end to a fantastic competition that saw some of the very best schools in the country participating for the bragging rights and the honours of being crowned as the first champions of the Kearsney Soccer tournament. 

Rankings from the Tournament

Boys Competition:

Durban High School
TuksSport High School
Urban Academy
Paul Ross Gym
Maqhutshane
Kearsney College
Port Shepstone
Siyajabula
Lebone II
Curro Grantleigh
Ashton Ballito

Girls Competition:

Girls High Schools
Edendale Technical High
Safa Thekwini
St Anne’s
Danville
Lebone II
Durban Girls’ High
St Mary’s
Ashton Ballito
Curro Hillcrest

Primary Schools:

Hillcrest Primary
Merchiston
John Wesley
Ashton Ballito
Kloof Senior Primary
Highbury B
Athol Heights
Highbury A

The South African Football Association hosted its first and successful u15 TDS Provincial Tournament. 

Football coaches and young talents across the country, all gathered in the Gauteng Province for a successful tournament which saw a display of energetic and great talent.

9 provincial teams and six invited teams all competed for the grand prize of being crowned as the first ever u15 provincial championship. 

Kaizer Chiefs made history by defeating the KZN province by 2-1 in the inaugural Technical Development Scheme, an u15 provincial tournament. 

The Panorama Football club which is one of the most successful academies in the nurture and growth of young talent in South Africa hosted this exciting tournament which saw the first ever u15 National team being selected. 

Here is the list of the first ever u15 South African Squad to be selected from the TDS U15 Provincial Tournament hosted by SAFA. 

Goalkeepers:

Lwandiso Rade – SuperSport United
|Athenkosi Gxekwa – Eastern Cape
Blackwell Ronin – Gauteng

Defenders:

Christiano von Meulen – School of Excellence|
Luke Hendricks – Cape Town Academy
Nhlonipho Cenga – Kaizer Chiefs
Tiago Kann – Gauteng
Liam Marthinus – Cape Town Academy
Tswelelo Maake – SuperSport United
Luca Lazarus – SuperSport United
Karabo Modika – Gauteng
Tashiel Rugunanan – Kaizer Chiefs

Midfielders:

Mswane Lebogang – School of Excellence
Royce Malatji – Kaizer Chiefs
Steven Mendes – Kaizer Chiefs
Emile Witbooi – School of Exelllence
Caleb Benjamin – Cape Town
Khumo Koloti – SuperSport United
Simphiwe Mlondo – School of Excellence
Lesego Hlophe – Kaizer Chiefs
Kgaogelo Monanyane – Mamelodi Sundowns

Forwards:

David Stober – SuperSport United
Siphesihle Zaca – KZN