Curro Riverside football team clinches victory at AISJ tournament
The head of sports at the school is floating on cloud nine, saying this is just the beginning for the football team.
The Curro Riverside U19 soccer team made history by winning the prestigious American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) tournament.
“This victory is just the beginning. It highlights the potential of the school’s sports programme and inspires future generations of learner-athletes,” said Kenneth Willemse, the head of sports at Curro Riverside.
The journey to victory began with a well-structured preparation plan courtesy of the Pitso Mosimane Soccer School (PMSS) programme.
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The programme focused on both physical and mental preparation, with regular training sessions and life skills lessons. The team’s coaches used innovative methods, such as coaching boards, to explain strategies and ensure players understood the principles applied on the field.
“The PMSS programme has been instrumental in the team’s success. It has provided our players with the tools and skills necessary to compete at the highest level.”
The AISJ tournament proved to be a fantastic opportunity for the team to fine-tune their skills. Despite not approaching the competition with a focus on winning, the team showcased their incredible potential. Standout performances included Junior Sathege’s stunning
hat-trick in the final, cementing his place as the tournament’s top scorer.
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However, the real hero of the day was goalkeeper Lethabo Modise, whose game-winning save in a penalty shootout secured Curro Riverside’s triumph.
The score was 3–3 at full time against AISJ, but after playing extra time, the game went to a penalty shootout, with Curro Riverside securing the win 4–2.
“Though the school didn’t have a formal league last year, the team showcased incredible potential. Their performance has set the stage for the future of sports and culture at the school.”
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The U19 team is gearing up for the Midrand Secondary Schools Soccer League in term 2, and with strong foundations built through hard work and teamwork, the future looks bright.
“We hope that sponsors will reach out to help us take our programme to the next level. This victory has boosted our confidence in our abilities, and while we remain grounded and humble, we know that we are an underdog team with the potential to be a force to be reckoned with. The support of sponsors will play a crucial role in helping us achieve even greater success and further unlock the potential of our talented players.”
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