NORKEM Park High School’s football team returned from their trip to Spain with a winner’s trophy.
The players competed in the Copa Jordi Youth Tournament in Tordella just outside Barcelona.
This tournament is one of Europe’s biggest youth tournaments and was represented by teams from 12 countries.
It was the first time a South African team has competed in this tournament hosted by Euro Sportring.
The players competed in the u-19 section and started their campaign by beating SV RottveiB from Germany 2-0.
They then beat SO Millau from France 5-0 and GS Fraore 3-0 in the group stages.
In their last group match they had to win or draw against ASA Montereau, who were also undefeated but had a worse goal difference.
The players pulled out all the stops and showed their fighting spirit by coming back from 1-0 down to score a goal late in the second half and equalising 1-1.
They then topped group F and proceeded to a super group of three teams.
Here they beat Airre sur la Lys 3-0 and Cavaliers 3-0 to reach the finals against German team TSV-Gau Oldernheim.
The German outfit proved strong opposition for the Norkem players, very physical, strong and well-structured.
However, the African flair and pace proved difficult for the German team who managed to hold on after numerous chances by the Norkem players went begging.
The final whistle blew at 0-0 and so to the dreaded penalty shootout.
The players held their nerve and three magnificent saves by Kabelo Kganakga saw the South African team take the trophy.
The team arrived at OR Tambo to a heroes’ welcome from friends and parents and look forward competing in the league. The coaches hope that this experience will push the players to another level.
The whole team would like to thank Arcanum Asset Management who sponsored the full trip for the team. They have made dreams reality.
