Sunward Park High triumphs in local soccer tournament
Sunward Park High School is through to the Gauteng Inter-District finals of the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup soccer tournament.
As winners of the Ekurhuleni South District, the local school is looking to go through to the Gauteng Provincial finals, scheduled for August.
Thabo Tiki, the team’s manager, explained that last year they were eliminated by their nemesis – Pretoria’s Clapham High School – but that’s all behind them now and, instead, they need to focus on the task at hand which is the upcoming Gauteng Inter-District finals.
The team will mainly comprise their u-17 players.
“We always tell them (the team) that age does not matter; what matters is how they play on the field,” said Tiki.
“We try to prepare them for the worst; in that way we are building their self-confidence as well as getting them ready to face any challenge.”
The coach said that none of the players are affiliated to a youth academy; they play only for the school’s team or their local club teams.
“They are slowly adjusting to this tournament and we are taking it step by step, with no pressure,” he said.
“The team really did well in the District games, even though we played only two matches.
”The real challenge will be when we reach the provincials, that’s the level at which we really need to work hard.”
Tiki added that at this stage they don’t know what to expect.
“Gauteng is the most competitive province, especially in this tournament. Every year we have different schools qualifying, which shows that teams and schools are growing and the competition is getting tougher and tougher.
“Look at last year. We were knocked out by Clapham and they proceeded through to the provincials, but they also got knocked out.
”I think it’s great that more and more schools get to experience the provincials and nationals, instead of having the same schools qualifying every year.”
Clapham have also qualified for the Inter-District finals.
“This is good, because Sunward Park has a history with them, and some unfinished business.”
The Gauteng Inter-District finals will take place on July 23.
“Our focus will be scoring goals,” said Tiki.
“We need to win matches by three or more goals. So far, that’s the plan that I have communicated to the team. If we win that will be fantastic, if not there is always a chance to come to back next year.”
Results of the District finals:
Thabo Nstako 2 (5) vs Sijabulile 2(4).
Sunward Park 3 vs Lethulwazi 0.
Final: Sunward Park 2 vs Thabo Ntsako 0. – @SabeloBoksburg
