Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Benny's Sports Academy through to the Danone Nations Cup National finals



After years of participating in the under-12 Danone Nations Cup soccer tournament, Benny’s Sports Development and Academy from the Vhembe District, Makhado, Polokwane, will be participating in the national finals of the competition for the first time.

They won this honour after beating Mahupje Primary 1 – 0 in a thrilling provincial final match that took place at Hoerskool Noorderland in Polokwane over the weekend.

“We came into the tournament this year with a new team comprising players that started at the school this year,” said coach, Mr Mbishi Mokwena. “I also only started at the school this year and I am excited to have managed to reach this level of the tournament so quickly.  The school management did not expect the team to win and viewed this year as a learning experience, but deep in my heart I know I would lead the boys to victory.”

Mokwena admitted that it was not an easy win.  “The pitch was muddy due to the rain the previous night and the boys were finding it difficult to maintain ball possession but we persevered and won despite the conditions.”

The first three games of the day saw Benny’s draw with each opponent going on to win two of the three on penalties.   “We did not manage to score enough goals and this is an area I will be working on leading up to the nationals.  We don’t know what to expect but we do know that every team will be doing their best to win the trip to Morocco to compete in the world finals in October.”

Mokwena credits the whole team for the win, the captain, Dakalo Mukwevho in particular as he lead the team beautifully.  “Dakalo lifted the spirit of the boys when they drew the first three games.  He decided to call the boys to a meeting where he gave them a little motivational talk which worked wonders and they rose to the occasion.”

The coach believes that his team was the strongest on the day and will be attending the nationals with a fighting spirit and a winning attitude.  He will be working hard with the boys for the next couple of months which will include watching videos of past world finals.  “But at the national finals I will allow the boys to show off their flare and skills on their own.  I know they can do it.”

North West hosts the next provincial final at the Matlosana Stadium in Klerksdorp on 25 April.  The national finals will be held at Reiger Park, Boksburg, Gauteng on 27 June.

Limpopo Results:
Mmamakwa Primary 1 (2) vs Benny's Sports & Academy 1 (3)
Rammupudu Primary 0 vs  Mahupje Primary 1
Megoring Primary 1 vs Mmamakwa Primary 0
Benny's Sports & Academy 0 (2) vs Rammupudu Primary 0 (3)
Mahupje Primary 0 (3) vs Megoring Primary 0 (4)
Mmamakwa Primary 1 (3) vs Rammupudu Primary 1 (2)
Benny's Sports & Academy 0 (3) vs  Mahupje Primary 0 (1)
Rammupudu Primary 2 vs Megoring Primary 0
Mahupje Primary 1 vs Mmamakwa Primary 0
Megoring Primary 1 vs Benny's Sports & Academy 2
FINAL
Mahupje Primary 0 vs Benny's Sports & Academy 1

About Danone
Danone Southern Africa is part of the Danone Group, one of the fastest-growing food companies in the world.  Danone is present in over 120 countries across all continents. With 160 plants and around 100,000 employees, the Danone Group is the number one worldwide for Fresh Dairy Products. Danone’s mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.
One of the core values of the Danone Nations Cup tournament is to encourage young people to believe in their dreams. Through this initiative Danone offers a sporting event that reaches out to and inspires millions of children all over the world








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