THE Energade interschool 5-a-side soccer challenge was held at Durban High School on Sunday, 3 September.
This unique inter-schools 5-a-side soccer event is now in its 17th year and has attracted the support of Energade for the third consecutive year, as well as soccer brand, Umbro. The event has grown over the years under the management of NUSA Sports and Promotions, Event Manager and current Umbro agent in KZN, Bobby Deutschmann, a former professional Durban City player.
Winning teams in the various categories walked away with prizes sponsored by Umbro, who also sponsored the technical apparel for the event. Prizes included training jerseys and a match ball and were presented by former Durban United and Durban City Star and multiple PSL winner Craig Banfield, a DHS Old Boy.
“The focus of Umbro is on developing football at grassroots levels as well as in the professional arenas. Small sided games are the place where skills and techniques are developed. Ensure Security, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Dave Guselli, who marketed the event, also played their part in making the day a success,” said Bobby.
Schools from all over KZN gathered at DHS to fight it out for honors in U14, U15, U16, U19 boys' categories as well girls' U19.
In the U14 category, Thomas More College beat Eshowe 1-0; in the U15 category DHS beat Hillcrest 2-1, and player of the day was Bahlebonke Made of DHS.
DHS beat Eshowe 1-0 in the U16 final, with Sfundo Mkhwanazi of DHS the player of the day. In the U19 category, Pinetown beat Kloof 1-0.
In the U19 Girls' category, Ashton Ballito beat St Mary’s 1-0.