St Stithians crowned U16 Challenge Cup champions
Coach Lebohang Kukame said their training sessions were mainly focused on ball possession, passing and receiving exercises, set plays, finishing, and a little work on their shape when they don't have the ball.
Jason Oliver scored 18 goals in six games to assist St Stithians Boy’s College in winning the U16 Challenge Cup title in 2023.
The U16s featured two dominant teams that breezed through the pool stages, setting the stage for thrilling quarter-final matchups. Norkem Park High School showcased their prowess by overcoming St David’s Marist Inanda and Grey College, Bloemfontein, in a hard-fought 2–1 thriller. Meanwhile, St Stithians Boys’ College exhibited clinical finesse with a 6–0 quarter-final win over St Alban’s College and a resounding 5–0 victory against Michaelhouse in the semi-finals.
The grand finale pitted these formidable teams against each other. While Norkem Park High School put up a strong fight, the second half belonged to St Stithians, who won with three unanswered goals.
Saints coach Lebohang Kukame said that it was a well-deserved win; they played the best and most attractive football.
“We were very entertaining and we had Oliver, one of the most deadly strikers in the tournament. He had outstanding performances throughout the whole tournament, scoring in all the games we played. He was a marvel to watch, tormenting the opponents with ease. We scored in each and every game and only conceded three goals throughout the tournament. That speaks volumes.”
He added that they didn’t have much time to prepare the team but there were players who tried to do some extra work after their training sessions. “It showed that the players had the right attitude. That’s why our performances were on a high level.”
In an equally nail-biting plate final, Benoni High School secured a stunning 2–1 victory against St Andrew’s College,
Grahamstown.
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