The finals of the u.15 soccer tournament were held at the Puma Rugby Stadium on Saturday, August 9.
“COPA Coca-Cola is a global initiative that gives millions of young football fans the opportunity to come together and celebrate their passion for football, as well as a chance to realize their greatest potential by living an active healthy lifestyle. Excitement is growing fast for the youth tournament as action now moved to Mpumalanga where Edwaleni Secondary, Masizakhe Secondary School, St Marks College and Tlhavekisa Secondary competed for a spot in the national finals,” said a spokesperson for the organizers.
It is now history that Tlhavekisa were crowned the champions after playing to a goalless draw with St Mark College in the final match of the day.
The deciding game between Tlhavekisa and St Mark College started with both teams showing hunger to win the trophy but Tlhavekisa were more offensive. They controlled the match in the middle of the park. St Marks were awarded a place kick but did not use their chance and a corner kick also did not yield any positive results.
St Marks regrouped and started to make inroads in their opponents half and they were nearly awarded with goal in the first half.
Tlhavekisa failed to capitalise after they caught St Marks on the break but a shot went wild. A St Marks forward failed to score after he was set on a through pass. The score remained 0-0 at half time.
It was evident in the second half that both teams were tired but they struggled to keep the game alive. A St’Marks shot hit the post as Tlhavekisa blocked the second shot.
Both teams showed what they have, individual players and scouts from Mamelodi Sundowns were seen getting details of about four players from both teams.
Top goal scorer was Obey Nyathi, best keeper was Mbongeni Twala of St Marks and player of the tournament was Tony ‘KK’ Mashego of Tlhavekisa.
Tlhavekisa Secondary School, the wining team, will now represent the province at the national finals, taking place in Kwazulu-Natal from October 16 to 19 at a venue yet to be announced.
