Tuesday, April 17, 2012

LIMPOPO HOST DANONE NATIONS CUP PROVINCIAL FINAL


The dream of many aspiring Under12 footballers in Limpopo will become a reality on Saturday, 21 April, when they participate in the Danone Nations Cup Provincial finals taking place at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane.



From the dusty streets of Haluvhimbi village, Vukosi Makhubela will be among those chasing the Provincial title. The 11 year old aspiring footballer will captain his team, Masikhwa Primary School, this weekend with the hope of making it to the National finals. Makhubela says his dream is to get to Poland, but realises that the road is still a long one – but points out it is getting closer!



“I only started playing football two years ago and my first taste of the real game was playing in the Danone Nations Cup last year. Although we lost in the Regional finals, I carried those memorable moments with me. When our coach made me captain earlier this year my first question was ‘when are we playing the Danone Nations Cup?” said Makhubela.

  

As the majority of his team will be playing in a tournament for the first time, Coach Thomas Tshivhase believes Makhubela’s experience will help.  “Vukosi Makhubela is my key midfielder.  He is a vibrant personality with good leadership skills and has fast pace which, when all combined, will motivate the rest of the team to do well. He will play a vital role that could well put Masikhwa Primary in a winning position.”



Reigning champions, Kgwahlele Primary School from Waterberg region and 3 other teams: Nwasorini Primary School from (Mopani Region), Monyebodi Primary School (Capricorn region) and Mokgabodi Primary (Sekhukhune Region) will also be in action.



Kgwahlele finished 6th in last year’s National finals and should they manage to beat their counterparts this weekend, this could be a chance for the school to put on a better performance.



“Reaching the Provincial means we have achieved one of our most important goals for this year,” said Kgwahlele coach, Ernest Kekana.  “We would like to make history by becoming the second team in Limpopo to reach the National finals in two consecutive years.”



Meanwhile Atamela Primary School from Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region were crowned the North West Danone Nations Cup Provincial Champions for the second successive after beating Ebetsanang Primary School  from Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati 1-0 on a thrilling encounter this past weekend at Ikageng Stadium.



“I am very happy and excited to have qualified for the National Finals again.” said Coach Jonas Morapedi. “I must compliment Tshepang Marera on the brilliant goal he scored and the commitment shown by our players.  We are now on the road back to Gauteng, where my players will also get a platform to be recognised and hopefully be scouted and be part of our country’s PSL teams.” added the proud coach.



First time participants Tlaseng Primary school which had 10 players from the PSL Platinum Stars academy could not make it to the final stage, however the team vow to put more effort in the next year’s Danone Nations  Cup preparations..



The team that will represent South Africa in the 2012 World Finals taking place in Poland later this year will be decided during the Danone Nations Cup National Finals to be held at Central Ground, Mamelodi on the 23rd June.



RESULTS – NORTH WEST PROVINCIAL FINALS



EBETSANANG PRIMARY SCHOOL (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region)

TLASENG PRIMARY SCHOOL (Bojanala Region)

ATAMELA PRIMARY SCHOOL (Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region)

BOSUGAKOBO PRIMARY SCHOOL (Ngaka Modiri Molema Region)



Ebetsanang Primary School 1 vs Tlaseng Primary School 0

Atamela Primary School 2 vs Bosugakobo Primary Schol 0

Atamela Primary School 1 vs Ebetsanang Primary School 2

Tlaseng Primary School 2 vs Bosugakobo Primary School 0

Bosugakobo Primary School 0(3) vs Ebetsanang Primary School 0(1)

Tlaseng Primary School 0 vs Atamela Primary School 2



FINAL LOG POSITION



1st – Ebetsanang Primary School – 7 pts

2nd – Atamela Primary School – 6 pts

3rd – Tlaseng Primary School – 3 pts

4th – Bosugakobo Primary School – 1 pts



FINAL



Ebetsanang Primary School 0 vs Atamela Primary School 1


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