U/19 championship title for Northern Academy first team

POLOKWANE – Northern Academy Secondary School’s soccer first team won the u/19 Limpopo championship 2022 Kay Motsepe Schools Cup at Seshego Stadium on October 4 after defeating Mphuma Secondary School 3-0.

Tharollo Mphahlele, Oririseng Shela and Tumelo Makhubela became heroes for their school after scoring the winning goals in the second half of the match.

On their way to finals Northern Academy defeated Ngwanakwena High School from Sekhukhune 5-0 and Khesethwane from Mopani District 9-0.

For their endeavors they walked away with R100 000 prize money, floating trophy, gold medals and they will represent the province at the national event set for East London on December 10.

At nationals they stand a chance of winning R1m prize money which according to tournament organisers will be used for school-related development projects, such as the improvement of school infrastructure, office blocks, libraries, classrooms, ablution facilities and sporting facilities.

The head of sport at Northern Academy Secondary School, Oliver Moorcroft said they were happy to win the provincial Kay Motsepe tournament. “We have assembled a good squad led by a good coach.

“They have been excellent in all their local matches and we are happy with their consistency. They will be going to the nationals in East London where they will represent the province. They will play against other top schools from eight provinces and we wish them the best of luck in the event.”

Moorcroft said they will use the R100 000 prize money to buy soccer equipment which include, among others, goal posts, new soccer gear, soccer boots, balls and drilling equipment.

Frederick Romijn, head of Northern Academy Secondary said they are proud of the team and wished them well in the national finals. “They have got a good coach in Hendrick Mukwevho and the boys are just passionate about soccer. They love the game and they have been great in other matches.”

Mukwevho said discipline and commitment were key in their success at the event. “I always tell my players to stay disciplined academically, in sport and in everything they do and they have adhered to that. We are happy to have won the tournament. It is our first time winning the tournament as a school. We are now eyeing the R1m prize money which we will be contesting at the national finals.”

He said their preparations for the national finals will be different compared to the provincial finals. “We have been approached by the University of Johannesburg for practice matches ahead of national finals and accepted the invitation.

“We are not taking this tournament for granted, we want to win it and to win it we have to prepare well and against good opponents. We will be playing against top schools from various provinces and it will be tough. We have lined up practice matches with local Premier Soccer League clubs.”