{"id":73621,"date":"2025-05-28T14:01:59","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T12:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssschoolsplus.co.za\/?p=73621"},"modified":"2025-05-28T14:01:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T12:01:59","slug":"its-deja-vu-for-inland-a-league-final","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/?p=73621","title":{"rendered":"It’s D\u00e9j\u00e0 Vu for Inland A-League Final"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"In
In a familiar scenario, Maritzburg College will, once again, play in the Inland A-League final. Photo: Maritzburg College on Facebook<\/strong><\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the finalists for the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Inland A-League<\/strong> have been determined, the finalists of the Coastal A-League<\/strong> will be determined only after the last round of league fixtures, on Tuesday, 3 June.<\/p>\n

This season’s matches in the Coastal and Inland A-Leagues have proven to be exceptionally captivating, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. SuperSport Schools Commentator Sibonelo Zulu<\/strong> told SuperSport Schools Plus<\/strong><\/a> that the games have been more fiercely competitive than ever before.<\/p>\n

Coastal A-League<\/strong><\/p>\n

There has been little to separate the top sides in the Coastal A-League since round one. The four leading teams – Westville Boys’ High, Hillcrest High, Glenwood High<\/strong>, and Port Shepstone High <\/strong>– have set the stage for a final showdown to determine who will advance to the final.<\/p>\n

Currently, Westville holds the top position with 16 points, followed closely by Hillcrest High, on 15 points. Glenwood, in third place, also has 15 points, while Sheppie<\/strong><\/em> sits on 12.<\/p>\n

“The KZN Coastal League is the more fascinating of the two streams for obvious reasons. I mean, you have the top four teams all in with a shout of securing a top two spot heading into the last round of matches next week,” Zulu enthused.<\/p>\n

He said all four teams are at risk, especially the back-to-back Coastal League champions, Glenwood. Should they lose to Westville next week, they will relinquish their chance at a hattrick of titles.<\/p>\n

Given their title wins in 2023 and 2024, the Green Machine<\/strong><\/em> missing out on the final would be quite unusual. Even when they didn’t claim the title, they played in the final in 2022, going down 0-1 against Westville.<\/p>\n

In 2023, Glenwood got by Port Shepstone in a penalty shootout. Then, in 2024, they avenged their previous defeat to Westville in the final two years’ earlier. If they’re to have any hope of a three-peat, they need three points next week.<\/p>\n

\"Westville
Westville Boys’ High opened their league campaign with a 1-0 win over Bechet in the rain. In round three, they beat previously undefeated Hillcrest High 3-0. Photo: Brad Morgan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On Tuesday, Glenwood picked up another three points, courtesy of a 2-0 walkover due to Bechet<\/strong>‘s failure to honour the fixture.<\/p>\n

Although that full haul was welcomed. coach Khaya Mgwengwe<\/strong> would feel disappointed by that outcome. He values the experience of his players earning their victories on the field.<\/p>\n

Westville, meanwhile, defeated Northwood School<\/strong> 2-1.<\/p>\n

Ntando Ngcobo<\/strong> netted the opening goal for Westville from the penalty spot, while Dayyan Fudu<\/strong>, a contender for the Golden Boot Award,<\/strong> scored the decisive goal.<\/p>\n

In another Coastal A-League fixture, Hillcrest High scored a 2-0 win over Empangeni High<\/strong>, with Mohale Sakuneka<\/strong> netting a superb free kick, while Ayedan Whitby<\/strong> scored a tap-in at far post after an amazing run from Tanaka Chinodakufa.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Zulu praised Hillcrest High’s gutsy showings. “Often dubbed the underdogs [Hillcrest High], now has a shot of securing a top two spot and playing in their first ever Coastal League final,” he said.<\/p>\n

“The 2025 KZN Coastal League is everything a football fan dreams of seeing transpiring in an elite league.”<\/p>\n