Free State soccer academy, TS Louis Botha is the 2011 Copa Coca-Cola champion. In an electrifying final that saw 4 goals scored the sports academy beat Sol Plaatjies from the North West 3 – 1 to lift the trophy. The action took place at the Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley.
Sizwe Ngomo from HTS Louis Botha scored twice to make him the top goalscorer of the tournament with 6 goals in total. Ngoma also took home the Player of the Tournament award. Wandile Tjemolane scored the third goal for his school while Lehlohonolo Maruma scored for Sol Plaatjies who was runner up to Ngomo with 4 goals.
“Both teams were deserving finalists,” said Copa Coca-Cola ambassador, Lucas Radebe. “They both have excellent players with a couple having had experience either internationally or with a PSL club which gives them that added advantage.”
On his overall experience in Kimberly Radebe commented: “I have had a tremendous time in Kimberley at Coca Coca-Cola. I have watched most of the games and I can name at least two players that I believe we will see in our Under 20 and 23 national teams within the next year or so. These are humble beginnings for these boys and now they must be developed further. I believe our football development is taking shape now.”
Wesley Ledibane, captain of HTS Louis Botha was thrilled with his team’s success: “Our plan was to defend and just gauge Sol Plaatjie, which we did. The first 15 minutes of the game was hard for them and that’s when we got our opportunity to score our first two goals. It was a gamble as our opponents looked deadly in the opening minutes of the game. They were always on the attack and it was fortunate that we scored our third goal which boosted our moral and gave the players confidence which wrapped up the final”
Ledibane’s career started at the age of 13 when his athletics coach saw his talent with the ball and decided he would do better in football. He also plays for 2nd League team, Mangaung Academy. His coach attributes his success as a captain to his leadership skills, a fighting character and he is a disciplined player. “As the team captain I believe it is important to know how to be neutral and be able to call everyone to order without taking sides,” said Ledibane.
Captain of runners-up, Lebogang Phethu from Sol Plaatjies, was happy to reach the finals and will go home a wiser player: “We realized that there were three sports academies in the tournament so our approach was just to believe in ourselves and go out there and do our best. We were very happy to be in the finals. From a captains perspective it was about being disciplined and I was responsible to lead 10 other players on the field. From a personal perspective I have learnt a lot during Copa Coca-Cola which I know will help me become a better player.
2011 was Sol Plaatjies High School first experience in Copa Coca-Cola. “In our district in the North West we are the champions and getting to the final and all the exposure that comes with it has really motivated us. I am proud to have been involved in this tournament and we might not have won but we have done our province proud as well.”
Earlier in the day Western Cape Sports School beat Benny’s Care Academy 3 – 0 to finish in third place. Goals were scored by Diego Booysen, Taahir Ganga and Nathan Adams.
Sammy Mohlaoli, Coca-Cola Senior Communications Manager said of the final: “It has been an exciting day of football and music. Copa Coca-Cola falls within our active lifestyle strategy and today we had action of the field and after the final the crowd was entertained by Soul Candi DJ’s and there was a great deal of dancing giving them the opportunity to also get in some exercise. But the final was the main focus and Coca-Cola looks forward to seeing some of the players that competed in the 2011 Copa Coca-Cola going on to become South African hero’s and role models. “
HTS High School takes home R150 000, Sol Plaatjie R100 000 while Western Cape Sports School pocketed R60 000. This is over and above the R40 000 cash prize each team receives for being Provincial champions.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Top Goal Scorer – Sizwe Ngoma (HTS Louis Botha)
Goalkeeper of the tournamemt – Ophemetse Tekanyo (Sol Plaajies High School)
Player of the tournament – Sizwe Ngoma (HTS Louis Botha)
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| 2011 Copa Coca-Cola Champions HTS Louis Botha High School |
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| 2011 Copa Coca-Cola Champions HTS Louis Botha High School celebrating their victory |
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| Wesley Ledimane of H.T.S Louis Botha battles with Lehlohonolo Marumo of Sol Plaatjie during the COPA Coca-Cola National Finals |
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