Jeppe High School for Boys held its annual Kensington Community Soccer Festival recently.
This was its second year.
The festival brings six schools in the Kensington area together.
The schools that participated were the hosts Jeppe Boys u-19 boys’ team, Queens High School, Denver Secondary School, Kensington Secondary School, Malvern High School and Jules High School.
“The idea of the festival was to bring boys of the same age, who live and go to school in the same part of town but who seldom mix, together. We see it as a community-building exercise.
“By spending an afternoon together, playing the game they all love, they hopefully learn a bit about each other and see that they are no different to each other,” said Jeppe Boys headmaster Dale Jackson.
Jackson further said they are aware of the inequalities that exist in the community.
“We are honoured to host our neighbours in this way and are grateful to the schools who accepted our invitation.”
Football strategy and advisory organisation Forwardzone came to the party and gave each school a bag full of balls and kit and the boys were well looked after in terms of food and refreshments.
“The boys had a day filled with fun and appreciated the sports,” said Jackson.
Ward 65 Clr Lindani Zulu attended the festival in support of the schools from Ward 65.
“I’m delighted with what I see. Jeppe Boys must be congratulated for this initiative. I saw today that sport really is the best way to bring people together. The organisation of the event was excellent and I think everyone enjoyed it very much,” said Zulu.
The teams all played four 25-minute games, which made for a good afternoon of exercise and the matches were fiercely contested, but played in a good spirit.
There were no league points kept, and no winner’s trophy. Instead, the organisers chose Jules High as the most spirited team of the day.
They also chose a most valuable player from each of the schools.
Jules High joined the hosts for an afternoon of soccer, played as a festival, with no overall winner.
The most valuable players from each schools were Queens High – Nkosinathi Ndwandwe, Denver Secondary – Bengu Mxolisi, Malvern High – Branden Nkosi, Kensington Secondary – Jason Correr, Jules High – Tushrick Oyaga and Jeppe Boys – Jaudyn April.
Tushrick Oyaga from Jules High was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.
