Local schools out to make their mark in Kay Motsepe Schools Championships

Danie van der Lith|Published 7 months ago

The Under-19 Emmanuel Secondary School boys' soccer team are, back (from left): W Polao (Teacher/manager), Thabiso Matthee, Sam Olyn, Nehemiah v/d Merwe, Khalefo Debeshe, Gomolemo Malinga, Luciano Bok, Tshepang Mokomela (captain), Trevor Geweer (coach). Front (from left): Isaac Klein, Reitumetse Cwangae, Resego Baranye, Kagisho Botha, Lorenzo Grond, Jaron Baardman, and Teko Sekao. Absent: Elbretto Speelman, Brett-Lee Fritz, and Elrico Meyers. Picture: Supplied

Two local schools, Emmanuel Secondary School and Reneilwe Primary School, recently earned their place in the regional finals of the Sanlam Kay Motsepe School Championships after exceptional performances in the qualifiers.

The Emmanuel Secondary School Under-19 boys secured their ticket in a campaign characterised by determination and grit. They played in a hard-fought quarter-final against Tshireleco High School, coming away with a tense 3-1 win in the penalty shootout.

Following this win they advanced to the semi-finals, where they faced Rietvale High School. Here, in another closely contested match, Emmanuel triumphed 4-3 on penalties, thereby securing their spot in the final.

Then, in the final, Emmanuel delivered a commanding performance, defeating Emang Mmogo 2-0 to clinch the tournament title.

Speaking to the DFA, coach Collin Trevor Geweer, who previously coached Homevale School, praised the team’s unity and hard work saying, “The boys have been playing together since the start of the year, and they have gelled really well.”

The team will now head to Pampierstad for the Under-19 regional play-offs this Saturday, where they will represent the Sol Plaatje region. They are set to compete against teams from Dikgatlong, Pokwane, and Magareng districts.

Geweer told the DFA that he is confident about their chances, saying, “We are going to represent the Sol Plaatje region well and make everybody proud. The team has put in the hard work, and hard work pays off.”

Meanwhile, in the Under-13 category, Reneilwe Primary School’s girls’ soccer team also made headlines by qualifying for the regional finals, scheduled for Friday in Pampierstad.

The Under-13 Reneilwe Primary School girls’ soccer team are (back, from left): D Magae, T Thompson, B Moremi,T Tshukudu, B Plaatjies, M Mothobi, and T Tshipinyane. Front (from left): Coach Gloria Oratile Oliphant, Z Moses, N Brant, F Sala, K Mositoane, K Shela, and M Ntonne. Reserves: P. Boitsi, B. Jonas, K. Maupa, K Tau, and O. Losie. Picture: Supplied

The team’s qualification was secured after they topped the points table during the round-robin stages.

The Reneilwe girls first secured a 2-1 victory over Kevin Nkoane Primary early in August. This was followed by another 2-1 win over Tshwarelela Primary a few days later. Next, they defeated Olympic Primary 2-0.

Then, following no-shows by Kgabang Primary from Ritchie and Kimkgolo Primary from Kimberley, Reneilwe Primary was awarded three points per defaulted match, and with the six points in their pocket, climbed to the top of the table.

Team coach Gloria Oratile Oliphant told the DFA that she is optimistic about her team’s chances at the regional finals.

“These girls will play what they are good at. I told them, whatever the results, they are still the best. Nobody around here will be able to beat them, and I am very proud of them,” Oliphant said. The coach also expressed her gratitude to the principal, staff, parents, and the local community for their unwavering support.

As both Emmanuel Secondary and Reneilwe Primary prepare for the regional play-offs, the community eagerly awaits their performances, proud of the dedication and spirit displayed by these young athletes.