Student schools goal kicking opponents

With Soccer World Cup 2014 around the corner, locals channelled their inner strikers in pursuit of the prize money.

At this year’s Vodacom Newcastle Winter Festival goal kicking competition, those in keen pursuit of the sponsored cash were a mixed bag of aspiring Ronaldos and a few Ronald McDonalds.

One contender even flippantly sank a few goals while on a phone call.

The first round of the goal kicking competition presented entrants with up to 10 opportunities to find the back of the net from 10 spots dotted around the Winter Festival arena.

Eight out of ten was the highest score for those advancing on.

Last year’s winner, 10-year-old Sindisiwe Hlela, who put male competitors to shame with her prodigious boot, had the first shot at goal but unfortunately was eliminated first.

From there, entrants were axed from the ‘team’ as the finals loomed.

Out of the remaining three soccer players who made the last round, it was 21-year-old teaching student, Njabulo Ntshingila, who found himself hoisting the prize certificate at the winner’s circle.

Studying at UKZN, Madadeni resident, Njabulo said he was happy with the win.

A regular at the freestyle soccer circuit, seen at the Moses Mabhida Stadium before exultant fans, the confessed Orlando Pirates fan said kicking the ball into the goals was far simpler than he was used to.

Njabulo said he was considering having a few drinks with friends with the R500 prize money.

“I will definitely be back to defend my title next year,” he concluded.