Halala Cup glory for Northern Academy
Meridian Northern Academy won the inaugural Curro Halala Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout against Norkem Park High School.
Miranda Maswanganyi
The inaugural Curro Halala Cup brought together the country’s premier school football teams as they participated for national glory and a R100 000 grand prize.
The finale took place on August 10 at HeronBridge College and 16 of the best teams in the country battled it out, giving everything they had on the pitch in their quest for footballing greatness.
The final was played between Meridian Northern Academy and Norkem Park High School from Gauteng and resulted in a 1-1 draw, forcing a penalty shootout. In the end, Meridian won 8-7.
The Golden Glove Award, which honoured the goalkeeper whose reflexes and leadership proved unbreakable between the posts was awarded to Manaka Kelelo from Meridian Northern Academy, and best player of the tournament to Katlego Rhenoster, also from Meridian Northern Academy.
Rhenoster said: “It’s been such an amazing journey.
“Playing with my team, representing our province, and especially my school, it has just been so cool.
”Honestly, I do not even know what to say.
“I am just super grateful. Thank you, God. I have learned so much from every match.”
Their coach, Hendrick Mukwevho said that he was proud of his team and that the boys mean the world to him. He further commended the Norkem team for giving a good fight. “It was one of the toughest matches we have played.
”I am bursting with pride for everyone who stepped onto that field on Sunday. From the very first day of this tournament to this final moment, we have felt God’s hand guiding us. Without His strength and blessing, we never would have made it this far.
”Now we are heading back home to continue our campaign in the local league, where we are still sitting at the top of the log,” he said. Cobus Loubser, CEO of Curro Holdings said their mission is to offer opportunities to more learners in every aspect of life.
“Every child matters, and the Curro Halala Cup creates an incredible new platform for young talent to develop and shine.
Curro’s schools must inspire, motivate and guide learners to excellence in whatever they do,” he said.
Curro looks forward to making the Halala Cup a highlight on the South African school sports calendar, a continuing celebration of youth, talent and unity.
