167 166 There was once again wonderful enthusiasm amongst the boys for the start of soccer season, resulting in Kearsney fielding twenty-six teams. This depth resulted in a struggle to find fixtures for the lower teams, especially on Saturdays, and we consequently played some schools on several occasions throughout the season. Provincial Selections Kearsney’s U14A, U15A, U16A, 2nd and 1st teams remain competitive, providing a good platform for the more competent soccer players. The following players made representative teams: Highways Schools: Ethan Groom (U19); KZN High Schools: Lethokuhle Ngidi (U19); Alwande Hadebe (U16); Simnene Kubheka (U15); Poloko Lethola (U14). These players represented the province at an inter-regional tournament held in Gauteng during the October holidays. Inter-house Competition A highlight for the boys is the inter-house soccer. This competition consists of an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ section, and all the matches contribute to the Houses’ points tallies. The competition also has some quirky rules, including no off-sides; kick-ins instead of throw-ins, and all free-kicks are direct. These innovations have proven popular with the players, and many have suggested that FIFA should consider introducing these to the professional game! The final placings: 1st Sheffield, 2nd Pembroke, 3rd Gillingham and 4th Finningley. Mr Wayne Amos MIC Soccer Soccer SOCCER 1ST TEAM Back row (L-R): Solethu Mdladla, Onalenna Nameng, Dylan Wiggett, Ntsika Mfayela, James Gillespie, Chad Croshaw Middle row: Ntsika Shiba, Simnene Kubheka, Mfundo Mthethwa, Lethokuhle Ngidi, Alwande Mbonambi, Awande Hadebe Front row: Siyen Gounden, Mr Manzini Zungu (Coach), Asande Nyawose, Hayden Bishop, Mr Wayne Amos (Assistant Coach), Samelo Shweni 1st Soccer Kloof Soccer Tournament The soccer season began directly after the last hockey and rugby games were completed. A squad was selected, after trials, to compete in the Kloof Soccer Tournament, hosted by Kloof High School, over the first weekend of the July holidays. With only a week to prepare, the Kearsney players stepped up to the demands of 1st team soccer. Kearsney was privileged to obtain the services of ex-professional Sheldon Roux, who developed the tactics needed to succeed at this tournament. The players responded positively and were tactically smart in their matches against various teams. Kearsney did exceptionally well to reach the quarterfinals of this thirty-two team tournament. Kearsney Soccer Tournament After a short break, the team competed in the inaugural Kearsney Soccer Tournament, where we reached the quarterfinals, only to be knocked out by a single goal. It was exciting to play against schools we do not compete against in our league, and to adapt to the different challenges they pose. The Big Ten Tournament The term started with Kearsney competing in our third tournament, together with many of our traditional rivals. A few of our regular players were injured, unfortunately, and we did not have a successful tournament. It did, however, allow the coaches to give some younger players an opportunity. By competing in these three tournaments, the 1st team had played fifteen games in one month. Term 3 began with the 1st XI winning their first two inter-school fixtures, against Hilton College (2-1) and Kloof High School (5-0). This was followed by two losses, against Northwood (0-1) and Westville (1-9). The players bounced back from these disappointing games and produced some excellent football to beat Michaelhouse
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc3MDU5Nw==