Walmer High School gets through to the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup Eastern Cape Provincial Final

When the Eastern Cape Provincial Finals of the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup take place at the Jabavu Stadium in Uitenhage on Saturday it will be a dream come true, and a massive opportunity, for Port Elizabeth’s Walmer High School.

Coach, Lunga Lloyd says that they entered the tournament for the first time last year but were knocked out at the regional stage. “It was tough for us last year because it was our first time competing in the tournament, but we took last year’s defeat as a learning experience,” he said. “It was also my first year teaching at the school so I didn’t know the players.”

This year has been different. Many of the boys all know each other from the local clubs they also play for and they have encouraged other good players at the school to come out and play for the team says Lloyd.

“The prize of R100 000 on offer makes the team all fired up for the provincial finals,” Lloyd said. “I don’t even need to remind them about training session, by the time school ends I find them on the field training. They are motivated and want win the provincials.”

Should the school win the provincial title, Lloyd said they would use it to renovate their classrooms which are in disrepair and inadequate for the number of learners at the school.

Lloyd does not have a formal coaching qualification – he is just a teacher with a passion for the game – so he realises he needs expert assistance if they are to progress further.  “I have organised for some of the coaches who are successful at the local clubs to come in and assist in coaching the boys,” he said. “Reaching this level requires a more experienced technical team to help iron out areas that we need to be improved.” He has also arranged extra games against local schools during this week, ahead of the finals.

Lloyd said that making into the provincial finals this year shows that there has been an improvement in the team and that their efforts and hard work is paying off. “I have a team that is filled with talented boys, they are a united front and they all have the same goal which is to win the provincials,” he said.

It’s been challenging, though. Lack of equipment and resources is a big problem for the team and they don’t have a proper field to train on. “We are fighting to meet these challenges by entering tournaments like this that can help us in funding the school’s necessities,” Lloyd said.

Participating Teams

·         Tlokweng Senior Secondary School –Joe Gqabi  District

·         Magadla Senior Secondary School-Alfred Nzo District

·         Zimele Senior Secondary School-OR Tambo District

·         Walmer high School-Nelson Mandela District

·         Executive Academy-Amathole District

·         Lingelihle High School-Chris Hani District

·         Velile High School-Cacadu District