Highlands Park stuns Kempton Park FC in season opener
Kempton Park FC U15 coach Zigla Verenga said early momentum was lost due to mistakes and lack of match fitness.
After a long break and extensive pre-season preparation, Kempton Park FC hosted the opening match of the Premier League U15 season at their home ground on April 13.
Facing Highlands Park, the hosts were eager to start strong and claim a home victory, but Highlands Park had other plans.
Despite a slow start, Highlands Park made a dramatic comeback in the second half to secure a 3–2 win.
Kempton Park FC dominated the first half, showing strong intent from the whistle.
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After a determined run, Katlego Sedibana netted the opening goal, igniting confidence among the home side.
Andre Lawrence later capitalised on an opportunity and slotted in the second goal, giving Kempton Park a 2–0 lead.
Highlands Park seized on a defensive error, with Siyabonga Dube scoring just before the break to narrow the gap.
The goal shifted momentum, and the first half ended with Kempton Park FC leading 2–1.
Highlands Park U15 coach Dean Workman admitted they had a rocky start but praised his team’s fighting spirit.
“It was a difficult game, not a great start from our end because we were 2–1 down. We had a chat with the boys during halftime, and they turned things around with a strong second-half performance,” Workman said.
“It wasn’t perfect, but we fought hard and earned the three points, we’ll take that into our next game.”
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Kempton Park FC U15 coach Zigla Verenga said early momentum was lost due to mistakes and lack of match fitness.
“We started well and scored two goals, but a sloppy mistake gave them a way back.
“They equalised from a well-taken free kick. Unfortunately, our training was affected by the rain, and we went two weeks without practice. That lack of fitness showed in the second half,” Verenga explained.
Highlands Park came out firing after the break.
Minutes into the second half, their relentless pressure paid off with a beautifully executed free kick that levelled the score at 2–2.
Despite several goal attempts by Kempton Park FC, the Highlands goalkeeper was in top form, making crucial saves.
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Highlands Park U15 vice-captain Musa Mthembu credited their coach’s halftime talk for the turnaround.
“Our performance wasn’t great in the first half, we weren’t ready. But after the coach encouraged us, we listened and gave it our all. That’s how we managed to come back and get the win,” he said.
With just minutes left on the clock, Nicholas Khumalo sealed the comeback with a third goal for Highlands Park, completing a dramatic turnaround and marking a strong start to the season for the visitors.
