169 SOCCER U 15A A much anticipated season began like a house on fire. Our first match, against Nor thwood resulted in a 7 – 0 win with striker Matthew Blair scoring a hat trick.This boosted the boys’ confidence and set the tone for the season. Defence was the backbone of the team, in par ticular central defenders: Nick Cherry and TK Mphakathi. As the last line of defence Cherry’s timing on one on one, fifty-fifty tackles and clinical clearances of loose ball often helped the team to turn defence into attack. Mphakathi worked tirelessly as a box to box player who defended as well as assisted on attack, creating oppor tunities for strikers to score. He was also deadly in set pieces such as free kicks and penalties which made him the top goal scorer – unusual for a defender. The highlight of the season was the win against arch-rivals Michalehouse, who were unbeaten. The team went to half time trailing 0 – 1 but during the second half scored three goals. It was a pleasure coaching this talented group of boys. Apar t from playing excellent football, they responded very well to advice and most players showed improvement in tactical awareness of the game. It was a fulfilling season which lived up to expectations. Bongi Ndaba Played: 10 Won: 7 Lost: 2 Drew: 1 U 15B I had the privilege of coaching this team in 2013 and I must say they improved in maturity.We began with a convincing 5 – 1 against Nor thwood and it appeared that our chemistry and form were good. This was followed with good wins against Kloof and Michaelhouse. Unfor tunately we lost to DHS and were unable to top our performance last season. The highlight of the season was our toughest game against Westville – also our last. In a match where Kearsney hit the upright twice and the cross bar once we were very unlucky to go down 2-1 to wrap up a very enjoyable and successful season. Special mention must be made of the parents who came out to suppor t religiously every weekend. My thanks to the captain, Luke Petzer, who should be commended for his leadership and motivation. Michael Von Badeleben Played: 8 Won: 5 Lost: 2 Drew: 1 SOCCER U15A Back row: B Albertse, K Koenig, J Foord, K Bophela, J Sutherland, L de Vlieg, A Gibb Front row: K Naidoo, M Blair, T Mphakathi, Mr B Ndaba (coach), R Taylor, M Memela, D Cherry With grateful thanks to GarthWilliams
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc3MDU5Nw==