Despite not having a proper field, goal-posts, or training equipment, Noordwyk Primary School’s U13 football boys defied the odds and triumphed in the Johannesburg East district tournament.
As such, they will be playing with other schools from other districts in the province, and the coaches are adamant that they will reach the regional knockout stages.
Read more: Noordwyk Secondary U17 netball team pleased with regional finish
The trio of co-coaches, Jimmy Matlou, Confidence Chauke, and Likho Neo Lucwaba believe the camaraderie within the team stems back from last year, when they didn’t fare as well.
Matlou said, “I think the lack of resources could be seen as a blessing in disguise. [The players] are determined, and it serves as a motivating factor. This began last year, when we prepared the boys and it did not go well for us. But this year, the team has been exceptional, despite all these challenges.”
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The team played in four games, winning three and drawing one. Matlou said this was the first team from the school to achieve this feat.
Chauke said the major difference, compared to last year, where they drew all their games, was that this year they worked hard on tactics, formations, and played to their strengths.
“I think we learnt a lot from last year’s competition, and we rectified all our shortfalls. We now have chemistry within the team; players are more experienced now, and they know each other better now. We play more as a team,” added Chauke.
He said the potential has always been there, and not losing a game played to the players’ mental beliefs and togetherness.
Lucwaba shared the same sentiments as his colleagues, saying the boys are now far more confident, and always want to improve from their last game.
“Our confidence is very high at the moment. And what makes us different is that we are more of a family than a team. As coaches, we encourage each player to express themselves, work together, and acknowledge their contribution,” said Lucwaba.
Lucwaba believes, that with the current team, they have a chance to punch above their weight, and go all the way to the provincial competition.
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