LISTEN: Minerva Secondary School has their eyes on the prize
ALEXANDRA - Minerva High School advanced to the quarterfinals of The Sibusiso Zwane 'Cosmos' Schools Tournament after beating Sagewood by one goal in a tightly contested encounter at No 3 Square Grounds.
Minerva Secondary School recently advanced to the quarter-finals of the Sibusiso Zwane ‘Cosmos’ Schools Tournament after beating Sagewood School by one goal in a tightly-contested encounter at No 3 Square Grounds in Alexandra.
Minerva came into the game with a first-leg lead of 2-1, with Sagewood trailing by one goal. The game was tightly contested as a quarter-finals spot was up for grabs.
Sagewood had a great opportunity in the 20th minute when Lethabo Kedijang beat the offside trap, but failed to execute as his shot went over the posts.
Both teams did not create any clear chances in the first half except for Kedijang’s missed shot. Minerva came back from the break with more intent as they pushed forward for that all-important goal.
Sibonile Nomala, affectionately known as ‘Langerman’, busked through the defence of Sagewood in the 51st minute, beating three defenders, but none of his teammates could get a touch on the ball from the cross.
After waves of sustained pressure, Nomala got onto the end of a volley and unleashed a thunderous shot into the top corner of the net to put Minerva in the lead.
A much-improved performance from Sagewood saw them trying to push forward as they looked for the equaliser, but Minerva’s defence stood strong to seal the game.
Minverva coach, Stephey Soaratlhe, was disappointed by his team’s lack of finishing in front of the goals and hoped to rectify this mistake in their next game. “Everything was compact. I was only lacking on the striking force, but hopefully we will be better in our next game.”
When asked if he has the team to win the tournament, Soaratlhe said, “I am definitely sure that my team will win this tournament and I have a very powerful squad and lots of players that are capable.”
LISTEN: Minerva coach aims to win the Cosmos Zwane Tournament:
soundcloud.com/user528046609/minerva1
Soaratlhe’s boys will soon take on Kwa-Bhekilanga Secondary School in the tournament, who also advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Northview 4-2 on aggregate.
