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For their efforts, the winners, who capped a fine day’s performance by clinching most of the individual prizes on offer, walked away with a trophy, soccer balls and medals, all courtesy of sponsors, City Star Bookshop. The losing finalists had taken a first half lead through Thembani Mathe before Mpumelelo turned on the heat and scored two quick goals through Christopher Shava and Brian Chikore to seal victory.
Inspired by pint-sized Mthokozisi Maphosa, Mpumelelo took the game to their opponents with the Grade Five Maphosa running rings around his markers and it was no surprise that he had a hand in both goals. Moves were orchestrated by Mike Mhlanga who also had a firm grip of the midfield area.
It was just unfortunate that Maphosa was overlooked for the Player of the Tournament award, which however went to his teammate Mhlanga.
“I am not attached to any team at the moment although we train as a school. My ambition is to play for Ajax Amsterdam of Netherlands one day,” said Maphosa, who is surely a Lionel Messi in the making.
Despite conceding two quick goals, Oswald Ncube of Insukamini was voted Goalkeeper of the Tournament while there was another accolade for Mhlanga who scooped the Top Goalscorer of the Tournament. Mhlanga’s coach, Ndaba Moyo walked away with the Coach of the Tournament award.
To get to the final, Mpumelelo hammered Gampu 3-1 while Insukamini beat hosts Lukhanyiso 1-0. For the third place play offs, Gampu prevailed 4-1 on penalties over Lukhanyiso.
Speaking at the occasion, guest of honor and education officer sports for Mzilikazi district Mlindazi Mabhena praised the sponsors for the efforts and promised to liaise with their higher offices so that they get the necessary recognition.
“I also want to commend the pupils for the good display of skills and fair play exhibited during this tournament,” said Mabhena.
He said sport was now big business worldwide and as such it should be taken seriously by everyone, hence it is now known as sports education, not just sports.
Speaking at the same occasion, City Star Bookshop director Siyadumisa Ndlovu, reaffirmed his company commitment to schools sports and said the tournament will be back and even bigger next year.
“It does not matter whether your schools do business with us, what we know is that your parents might be doing business with us by buying books, pencils and any school equipment from us so we are in a way saying thank you,” said Ndlovu.
Online Reporter