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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