Sights set on the big prize

POLOKWANE – CURRO Northern Academy Polokwane has made it through the cluster phase of the u/19 Kay Motsepe Schools Cup and their coach, Hedrick Mokwevho, says they want to snatch the glory from Benny’s Care Sports Academy this time around.

Mukwevho says he is positive, particularly in the light of the way in which the players have been scoring goals so far.

He says Benny’s has been very successful in the tournament over the years, but that things are about to change now.

“I am friends with Benny’s coach, Justice Matloga and I always tell him that they have been winning all these years because we were not around. This year, we want to give them a run for their money, we want to be the school that will end Benny’s victory streak in this tournament,” he says.

“Northern Academy is a private school in Polokwane with an impressive average matric pass rate of 99%. Academics is the focus, but extracurricular activities are also important for them, they offer a wide range of sporting activities and encourage learners to participate in at least one summer and one winter sport. We have been competing in the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup since 2008, but have never made it past the cluster level before,” Mukwevho adds.

“The team looks forward to competing at the regionals, even though it will be challenging. The players in the Northern Academy u/19 team are all part of Mukwevho’s Development Academy, the Limpopo Sports School of Excellence, which has been in operation since 2007. The aim of the academy is to produce players for the Premier Soccer League teams,” he says. Some of the players who were unearthed in the academy are Rofhiwa Tshikovhi, who plays for Platinum Stars and Tiyani Mabunda, who was with Free State Stars.

Mukwevho has a long history as a coach holding a Fifa Grass Roots introductory and level 1 qualification.

“Soccer is my passion and I wanted to coach from an early age. My job is made easier by the fact that I know the boys very well as I am one of their teachers as well as their coach.

“We won the first match against Bokamoso 7-0 which was hugely motivating for the team.

“The team is positive and talented, proving to me that they have what it takes. The plan is to make sure we win the regionals, we want to get a chance to play for the R100 000 prize money.”

Benny’s Care Sports Academy’s head coach, Justice Matloga, says they are well prepared, working hard over weekends as well. “Mukwevho is my colleague and also my graduate, I welcome the challenge, it will be tough for him to beat his master,” says Matloga.