NORKEM Park High School’s first football side made history by winning the annual Benoni High Football Tournament for the third year in a row.
The victory was made sweeter because they beat local Kempton Park rivals, Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld, in the final.
Player of the tournament was awarded to Mokeri “Baggio” Senwamadi, the team’s captain. The coach of the tournament award was awarded to the team’s coaching staff, Andrew Gifford, Junior Mwape and Mvuyise Vikwe.
The team started with a hard fought 1-1 draw against Prestige College from Hammanskraal and then beat hosts Benoni High 2-1. Both goals were scored by the captain Senwamadi.
They then faced Boksburg High in a tough East Rand derby which ended 1-1 and had to be decided on a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Thabang Mankga damaged his shoulder attempting to save the first penalty and was in serious pain but stayed on to help the team secure a win.
The team then faced local rivals Sir Pierre in the final which was played like a true derby with both teams not giving an inch. The game finished 0-0 and went to a penalty shootout. With the first choice goalkeeper injured, youngster Kabelo Kganakga proved too good, saving a penalty, forcing the opponents to shoot wide on another two attempts.
The Norkem Park penalty takers did not miss and finished the game in style. The team now starts its preparation for the St Peters and Grey College tournaments in September.
