Leonay Kock ended up being the tournament’s top goalscorer, earning her the Golden Boot. Not only that, but she was also awarded the Player of the Tournament prize for her outstanding performances on the field of play.
THERE was quite a bit of fanfare at the Kimberley Airport on Wednesday afternoon when one of Kimberley’s newest sports stars returned home to a rapturous welcome after displaying her exceptional soccer skills on the continental stage.
Norman Football Development Club, under the leadership of team manager Sydney Norman, had recently extended heartfelt congratulations to one of the club’s brightest young talents, 14-year-old Leonay Kock.
This was ahead of Leonay’s departure to the CAF African Schools Football Champs COSAFA Qualifier that was recently wrapped up in Walvis Bay, Namibia. This Grade 7 learner from Beacon Primary School had earned the honour of being called up to represent the Under-15 Schools National Team.
In the end, the young player made the most of her opportunity, helping her team to be crowned champions of the girls’ competition on Sunday, October 13, when the South Africans had to come from behind to beat Malawi 3-1 to secure the win.
When Malawi took the early lead, the South Africans had to settle down and build their attack again. This they managed with aplomb, with it not being long before there was an equaliser, and who else but Leonay to pull the trigger. She added a second a little while later, before teammate Lethuthando Mthembu’s goal sealed the game.
Meanwhile, Leonay ended up being the tournament’s top goalscorer, earning her the Golden Boot. Not only that, but she was also awarded the Player of the Tournament prize for her outstanding performances on the field of play. In all, Leonay banged in a total of 11 goals, five of those against Angola in a 13-0 thrashing that the South Africans meted out.
Her teammate, goalkeeper Mia Heneke won the Golden Glove, and the losing finalists, Malawi, was awarded the tournament’s Fair Play title.
The South African Boys enjoyed similar success beating Zimbabwe 4-2 on penalties in the final after they had played to a 1-all result.
The result means that South Africa still holds a 100% record in the competition having won both the Boys and the Girls competitions in 2022 and last year.
