Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Northern Cape Primary School eying the trip to Morocco



Northern Cape is yet to produce the winning school that will represent South Africa and compete in the under-12 Danone Nations Cup World Finals, and Keidebees Intermediate School of Upington in the ZF Mgcawu District are hoping they might be the one to achieve this goal – but first they have to emulate their 2012 provincial win to get them through to the national finals.

They take their next step on the road to that dream when they line up for the Northern Cape provincial finals at the Xolisile Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington on Saturday 28th March.

Hendrick Matthys, their team manager, explains that they represented Northern Cape during 2012 Nationals Finals.  They did not compete in 2013 and last year they were knocked out during the cluster stage last year.

“This year again we are through to the provincials and it’s a great feeling knowing that what we have worked hard for is paying off,” he said. “From the get-go the boys have taken this tournament seriously, they have been focused and determined to make it to the provincials.  They have had a lot of support from the entire school which has helped build their confidence as half the battle is won when the kids believe in themselves,” Matthys said.

The coach is manager Hendrick Matthys’ cousin Sylvester Matthys, who was brought in as an external coach two years ago.

“I end up getting swamped with a lot of school work, so I cannot always focus on the team, so we brought him in,” Matthys explained. “And it certainly has been a great idea as, because of him the under 12 team is going through to the provincials this year. He does not have a qualification in coaching, but he knows the game very well and the kids have grown fond of him and his style of coaching.”

Their strongest opposition is no doubt going to be Northern Cape defending champions, Roodepan Primary.

“I know that they will defend their title no matter what, but we are also not going to back down,” Matthys said. “We are not scared of any school, but we do know that when we meet up against Roodepan it’s not going to be an easy game.

Matthys said the current team is filled with good players, but there is one who stood out during the regional playoffs. He is 11 year-old winger Tristan Mans who scored 4 magnificent goals.

“He is an all-rounder, he can attack, defend and score. He has ben outstanding in every game we have played so far,” said Matthys

Matthys is full of praise for the sponsor, Danone. “It’s because of sponsors that these kids end up being discovered, and because of sponsors that these kids are healthy and active. I congratulate Danone for getting involved in school sports, these kids need tournaments like this.

Participating teams:
ZF Mgcawu District- Keidebees Intermediate School
Pixley District- Van Rensburg Primary School
Francis Baard District- Roodepan Primary School
John Taole Gaetsewe District- Rapelang Primary School

Namakwa District- Dr Izak Van Niekerk Primary School 



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