157 156 The Chronicle 2021 Centenary Edition Back row (L-R): Nic Kidd, Bryce Wiggett, Asande Nyawose, Nhlakanipho Ngubane, John Eastes, Ite Machobane Middle row: Chad Croshaw, Caden Robinson, Matthew Jacobs, Tom Le Clézio, Cameron Veenstra, Lethokuhle Ngidi Seated: Bryce van der Merwe, Mr Dean Moodley, Menzi Mhlungu (Captain), Calvin Davis, Mr Wayne Amos, Chris Henwood Absent: Matthew Bergset, Gontse Machaba and Luke Robertson SOCCER 1ST TEAM Overview At the beginning of the soccer season matches were put on hold for a few weeks due to COVID-19. As a result, Kearsney embarked on an extended inter-house competition over two and a half weeks. The four Houses were divided into Grades (each with an A and B side) rather than age groups. This allowed the boys to participate with their friends. This competition proved highly popular and successful. Each House played the others twice on a "home and away" basis. There were some interesting results as, in some cases, a team lost by a significant margin only to get their act together and win the return match. In some cases, the return games were crucial in determining the competition's overall winners. The rules for this competition included no offsides, kick-in instead of a throw-in, and all freekicks being direct. Results in each Grade were: Grade 12A league: 1st Gillingham; 2nd Sheffield; 3rd Finningley; 4th Pembroke Grade 12B league: 1st Gillingham; 2nd Finningley; 3rd Sheffield; 4th Pembroke Grade 11A league: 1st Gillingham; 2nd Pembroke; 3rd Finningley; 4th Sheffield Grade 11B league: 1st Finningley;2nd Gillingham; 3rd Pembroke; 4th Sheffield Grade 10A league: 1st Gillingham; 2nd Pembroke; 3rd Sheffield; 4th Finningley Grade 10B league: 1st Gillingham; 2nd Sheffield; 3rd Pembroke; 4th Finningley Grade 9A league: 1st Gillingham; 2nd Pembroke; 3rd Sheffield; 4th Finningley Grade 9B league: 1st Sheffield; 2nd Pembroke; 3rd Gillingham; 4th Finningley Grade 8A league: 1st Pembroke; 2nd Gillingham; 3rd Finningley; 4th Sheffield Grade 8B league: 1st Pembroke; 2nd Finningley; 3rd Gillingham; 4th Sheffield Overall result: 1st Gillingham; 2nd Pembroke; 3rd Sheffield; 4th Finningley Huge thanks go to the sports department and Mr Vuma Kunene from IT for organising the music each day for the entire duration of the competition. This proved hugely inspirational and added to the fun, particularly when a goal was scored, and the music was pumped up for all to celebrate. After that, the Kearsney teams were able to play four inter-school fixtures. The fixtures were against DHS, Westville Boys' High, Hilton College and Northwood School. Soccer is still very popular amongst the boys. Hopefully, 2022 will see a complete season with fixtures against our traditional rivals. Thanks to all the coaches who give up their time and always put 100% effort at practises, matches and refereeing. Without the enthusiasm of these coaches, soccer at Kearsney would not be the success it is. Congratulations to all. Mr Wayne Amos MIC Soccer 1st XI Soccer The 2020 soccer season was abandoned due to COVID-19, so there was much anticipation leading up to the 2021 season. After a delayed start, some fixtures were organised much to the joy of the entire Kearsney soccer community. Practices were intense and passionate affairs, with the boys working hard to make the starting line-up for each game. Most players were a bit rusty, with many of them not having kicked a ball in almost one and a half years. The boys were, however, motivated and determined to give a good account of themselves. The season started with a home fixture against DHS, who had recently started a soccer academy at their school, so our preparations for this game had to be precise. Kearsney took an early two-goal lead, with Ngubane scoring his first goal from a header, with the assist coming from an Ngidi cross. For his second goal, he chested a cross and volleyed the ball into the top righthand corner – a tremendous show of skill. Unfortunately, two lapses in concentration at the back enabled DHS to draw level with a few minutes remaining in the game. In true Kearsney spirit, the team never gave up and John Eastes capitalised on a DHS goalkeeping blunder to score the winning goal. The 3-2 scoreline was testament to an exciting and enjoyable opening fixture. After that encouraging start, the team travelled to Westville Boys’ High, in what was billed as a classic encounter. However, the heavy rain and freezing conditions made it difficult to play flowing football. Both teams struggled to get a grip on the game, where keeping possession was a major problem. The narrow field prevented the wingbacks from crossing quality balls into the 18-yard area. As a result of this, goal-scoring opportunities were scarce and it seemed like the game was heading for a stalemate. Fortunately for Kearsney, the only opportunity of the game fell to Ngidi, who very optimistically lobbed a ball over his shoulder and his attempt caught the Westville goalkeeper off his line, for the game winner. The team defended like Trojans amid heavy pressure from the Westville attack in the closing stages. Cameron Veenstra did some excellent work on the right wing. Soccer Bryce Wiggett,
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