Chronicle-2023

179 178 SOCCER U14A TEAM Back row (L-R): Msizi Ndawonde, Leo Brown, Luyanda Sithole, Lubanzi Mseleku 3rd row: Songita Booi, Ntsikelelo Makeleni, Max Mills 2nd row: Itumeleng Kubheka, Okuhle Phungula, Mpi Mthethwa, Soyama Plaatjie, Khulekani Zuma, Minenhle Mbonambi Front row: Kei Wren, Mr Jon Robinson, Poloko Lethola, Mr Matthew Saville, Thabani Mthethwa Absent: Kwakuhle Sibiya (Captain) Under 14A Soccer The Kearsney College U14A soccer team enjoyed a season filled with resilience, skill, and memorable moments. The highlight of the 8-game season came in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Hilton College, with Thabani Mthethwa's last-minute free-kick securing a dramatic equalizer. Key players emerged, with Peloko Lethola showcasing his prowess as an attacking midfielder and earning a spot on the KwaZulu-Natal U14 team. Captain Kwakuhle Sibiya's marauding runs from left back and Songita Booi's impactful mid-season inclusion, marked by a crucial header against Michaelhouse, solidified their roles. Siphesihle Mncibi was the engine of the midfield, with Leo Brown and Max Mills forming a telepathic understanding down the right flank. The team exhibited adaptability, excelling in transitioning from defence to attack thanks to the composure on the ball of centre-backs Ntsikelelo Makeleni and Lubanzi Mseleku, and the bravery of goalkeeper, Kei Wren. Despite a frustrating 2-2 draw against Clifton and a challenging 1-4 loss to Westville Boys' High School, the team displayed courage and confidence throughout. Notable victories, such as a 3-0 triumph over Kloof High School and a hard-fought 1-0 win against Michaelhouse, showcased the team's growth. Special thanks go to pro coach Sheldon Roux, whose technical expertise proved invaluable, and co-coach Jon Robinson for their integral roles in the team's development. The Kearsney College U14A team's promising trajectory and commitment to playing quality football suggest a bright future and the potential to become a force in seasons to come. Regular players: Songita Booi, Leo Brown, Itumeleng Kubheka, Poloko Lethola, Ntsikelelo Makeleni, Minenhle Mbonambi, Max Mills, Siphesihle Mncibi, Lubanzi Mseleku, Melokuhle Mthethwa, Thabani Mthethwa, Msizi Ndawonde, Okuhle Phungula, Soyama Plaatjie, Kwakuhle Sibiya, Luyanda Sithole, Kei Wren and Khulekani Zuma Results: Played 8, Won 3, Drew 3, Lost 2 Mr Matt Saville Coach Under 14B Soccer What a season 2023 turned out to be. The team showed true grit and determination throughout the season, with several players playing themselves into the A side, and others making excellent progress in a short season. There are several players that deserve a special mention. Goals were shared out amongst numerous players, including Max Mills, Okuhle Phungula, Melokuhle Mthethwa and Itumaleng Kubheka. The defence started off a bit shaky but grew in stature as the season wore on. Kwande Mfayela was calm at the back, whilst Tebogo Malatsi, a little unorthodox at times, kept out the opposition and gave the outside halves the room to attack. The fact that the side only conceded 11 goals speaks volumes as to how this team did not give an inch to our opponents. Khethuxolo Dlungwana earned his keep with some marvellous saves when called upon. The mid-field players, Melokuhle Mthethwa, Minenhle Mbonambi, Khulekani Zuma, Itumaleng Kubheka and super-sub Nkitha Mahlasela, worked hard on and off the ball, showing some deft touches to provide strikers with goal-scoring opportunities. The team scored 32 goals and conceded 11. The matches against Westville proved to be a hard test and many lessons came out of these matches. I was extremely lucky to be able to work with these individuals, knowing that they will continue to strive to improve and to continue to grow the winning culture as they move through the senior ranks. Special mention must be made of Kwande Mfayela for his professional leadership, as well as Itumaleng Kubheka and Okuhle Phungula who instilled a high degree of passion and pride and who continuously encouraged the team. The team was rewarded with the Junior Team of the year, epitomising the manner in which they played the game throughout the season. I would also like to thank all those boys who came out and supported the team every weekend; it is great to see how the boys have gelled throughout the grade. An excellent season with the boys enjoying the game and the camaraderie throughout. Regular players: Songita Booi, Khethuxolo Dlungwana (Goalkeeper), Stavros Kanarachos, Mhleli Khumalo, Itumaleng Kubheka, Nkitha Mahlasela, Tebogo Malatsi, Minenhle Mbonambi, Bayanda Mdluli, Kwande Mfayela (Captain), Max Mills, Melokuhle Mthethwa, Lordivi Nshimbi, Okuhle Phungula (Vice - Captain), Soyama, Plaaitjie, Khulekani Zuma. Results: Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2 Mr Jon Robinson Coach Under 14C Soccer The U14C soccer team had an impressive season despite a shaky start. The players demonstrated resilience and determination as they quickly learned to work together and capitalise on each other's strengths. The defenders deserve special recognition for their unwavering passion and commitment. They made it their mission to ensure that opposition strikers had to fight to score. Their pleasing performance is even more commendable, considering the limited training sessions the team had throughout the season. Overall, this team has proven that with the right mindset and dedication, you will deliver performances you can look back on with pride. Regular players: Lefa Chepape, Aston Grace, James Lubbe, Siseko Mhayisa, Bhekani Ngcobo, Zizo Nodada, Luphawu Socikwa, Alwande Tenza, Monde Sithole, Joshua Snyman, Nande Mzobe, Nkuleko Sithole, Adam Georgiadis, Troy Thompson, Mathew Gorrie and Njabulo Dlamini Results: Played 8, Won 3, Lost 3 Mr Sanele Ngema Coach U14A Soccer

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