WATCH: Alex High reigns supreme

Alexandra High School was crowned champions of The Sibusiso ‘Cosmos’ Zwane Tournament when they defeated Minerva Secondary School 2-0 at No 3 Square Grounds.

After losing in the finals last year at the hands of Liberty School, Alex High played great football throughout the tournament as they mesmerised teams, including an 11-0 thrashing of Leap School in their opening game.

The tournament, in its second edition this year, saw 16 teams take part, and the winners walked away with a trophy and a laptop. Both teams received new football kit.

Minerva was the better side for most parts of the game but lacked the killer instinct in front of goals as they created numerous chances which they failed to convert.

However, Sidingo Nxumalo, captain and goalkeeper of Alex High, produced another audacious shot from his own half which caught the Minerva goalkeeper napping as it went into the back of his net to put Alex High into the lead. The second goal came in the 25th minute from the ever-present Thami Mokhio who executed a brilliant header after a great cross from the left.

Alex High coach Eric Paul was full of praise for his boys and said after losing in last year’s final they were motivated to do better this time around.

“This game was one of those games where the players were motivated,” he said.

“Remember last year we played in the same final and we lost, and we had to get something this time.”

Paul also admitted that his charges were not the better team on the day although they managed to walk away with the victory.

“The great thing about a tournament is when you score first you have to keep things tight at the back. My team were not the better team on the day but when it came to tactical awareness and formation they were superb.”

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Minerva coach, Stephey Soaratlhe, was happy with his team’s performance despite the defeat. “My boys played well and I am proud of them,” he said.

“We played well and we were better than them, but, unfortunately, that is the name of the game and well done to Alex High,” he said.