Old school rivalry resurfaces at soccer tourney
Two intense Mohlakeng rival schools went head-to-head in a soccer tournament held over more than three days recently.
An old high school rivalry resurfaced during the Delucho Spectacular tournament and the final between AB Phokompe and Phahama Secondary Schools recently.
This rivalry dates back to the 1990s, when the two Mohlakeng high schools used to be like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, or the English rivals Manchester City and Manchester United, and the El Classico clash between Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
During those days, AB had Donald “Ace” Khuse, who went on to play for Orlando Pirates, while Phahama had Daniel “Mercro” Ramarutsi, who played for Bushbucks. This was an event that had the old Mohlakeng grounds jammed to capacity.
This was the case again on Friday, 29 September with AB Phokompe the eventual winners via a penalty shoot-out and a 4–3 scoreline. The Delucho Spectacular tournament, held over more than three days, was hosted in honour of Karabo “Stich” Tshepe who is also affectionately known as Stich Delucho.
He has become a marvel to watch for local crowds especially during the Easter Tournament with his extraordinary skills. Karabo is a former player for Black Leopards, the Limpopo based NFL outfit, and formerly campaigned in the PSL.
While many local soccer adherents see Stich as the material for top teams Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns and also Bafana Bafana, he did have the privilege of playing in the continent doing national duty for Leopards. He described the conditions as hostile for teams from South Africa in the African countries.
He was over the moon at the fact that the tournament had five local high schools competing, namely AB, Phahama, Thuto Lehakwe, Lukhanyo and Randfontein High School (RHS).
“I am happy about the games as a whole, especially the participation of my former school, RHS, who also showed determination. They really showed grit and determination and didn’t just add numbers. Most of all, I would like to thank the Rand West City Local Municipality for the provision of six bursaries through the tournament and the use of the stadium for the games.”
Other results:
• Quarterfinals: RHS beat Lukhanyo 2–1
• Semifinals: AB beat Thuto Lehakwe 1–0, while Phahama beat RHS 1–0.
• Third place: RHS beat Thuto Lehakwe 3–0
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