Birch Acres lift Norkem Festival trophy after tense final
Birch Acres Primary School won the tournament in the penalty shootouts.
An electric atmosphere filled Norkem Park Primary School on May 17 as parents, learners, supporters and community members gathered for the Norkem Festival finals, where Birch Acres Primary School were crowned champions after a tense penalty shootout victory over Glenstantia Primary School.
The final lived up to expectations, with both teams producing a closely contested match marked by determination, solid defending and high intensity from start to finish.
Photo: Masego Mashilo
Despite chances at both ends, neither side managed to break the deadlock in regular time.
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Birch Acres coach Victor Maseko praised his team’s resilience and winning mentality.
“The boys did very well. We were worried yesterday when we lost, but they did well. Their performance was very good,” he said.
He added that the team’s long-standing cohesion played a key role in their success.
“They have been together since Grade Two, so they know each other well. They have been winning the Kempton Park soccer league together from U10 until this year, so the mentality of winning is there.”
The match saw Glenstantia Primary take control in periods of play, showing strong possession and attacking intent, but they were repeatedly denied by a disciplined Birch Acres defence.
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Birch Acres, meanwhile, struggled at times in the first half but managed to stay in the contest despite pressure from their opponents.
Glenstantia player Ntando Sandi reflected on the disappointment of the result but remained proud of the team’s effort.
“I think I performed very well in the tournament, and we also did well as a team. It is really unfortunate that we lost through penalties, but we can’t control what happens during penalties,” he said.
“We should keep going, and we will fight to get it next year.”
Glenstantia coach Mnotho Dludla said his team exceeded expectations despite a difficult start to the season.
“We came out of the group stages with a 100% win rate, won the semi-finals but unfortunately lost on penalties in the final,” he said.
Photo: Masego Mashilo
“It was very impressive from the boys. I have never seen them play like this.”
After goalless regulation time and extra time, the match was ultimately decided in a penalty shootout.
Birch Acres held their nerve, converting four penalties without missing, while Glenstantia scored three and missed two.
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The shootout ended 4–3 in favour of Birch Acres, who were crowned 2026 Norkem Festival champions and celebrated emotionally as they lifted the trophy.
Birch Acres player Wandile Sibanda said the victory reflected the team’s determination and unity.
“Honestly, this is the best I’ve done in a while. We did well as a team in the final because we were all fighting for the win,” he said.
