North West School wins the Danone Nations Cup provincial trophy for the second time

Everything went according to plan for Kgetleng Primary School, when they were crowned the North West provincial champions for the second year running at the Matlosana Stadium in Klerksdorp over the weekend. Kgetleng beat Laerskool Rustenburg 1 – 0 in the final match to retain the title.

According to coach, Benjamin Ngcuka, the strategy was to win the first game of the day.  “Winning the first game gives the players that boost of confidence and sends a message to the other teams to be on the lookout for us and this is exactly what happened.  What also helped was the team’s dedication and hard work they have put into preparing for the provincials.”

In recognition of the team’s success the school held a special assembly said the coach.     “The school has been behind the team from the first game we played at cluster level, which helped give the kids confidence in their own ability.”

Experiencing the nationals last year was of great help to the coach.  “Although the team was new to the tournament this year, as the 2014 winning coach I was able to guide the boys because I knew what to expect.”

What is of great excitement to the coach is that two of their players were identified by Mamelodi Sundowns scouts:  “My entire team did well on Saturday but I am particularly proud of my striker, Kealeboga Moeketsi, and winger, Makhotla Jantjies, who both caught the eye of the Sundowns scouts that attended the games.  Hopefully they will perform well at the nationals and if they do join the Sundowns Development programme they will go through to Jo’burg next year.”

Ngcuka does not believe in sitting back and basking in the glory of being the provincial champions and it is back to work in preparation for the nationals.  “Last year I focused on my defence which cost us the title,” he said.  “So this year I am changing the approach completely and scoring goals is my focus.  I will also pay particular attention to building team spirit and get the boys all fired up for the nationals.  I know they will be nervous and I will make sure that do not let anyone intimidate them.”

Ngcuka is already analyzing his opponents: “I have been following the tournament since it began and I see that the Northern Cape and Free State 2014 winners will be back in action again at the nationals.  But the province I believe will give us a real run for our money will be Gauteng.  I watched Farraremere Primary last year and they were impressive, in fact I believe they should have won the nationals and if they are back again this year I know it will be tough for us.”

Results:

Seichokelo Primary 0 vs. Laerskool Rustenburg Noord 1

Kgetleng Primary 1 vs. Bophepa Primary 0

Kgetleng Primary 1 (2) vs. Seichokelo Primary 1 (3)

Laerskool Rustenburg Noord 1 vs. Bophepa Primary 0

Bophepa Primary 0 vs. Seichokelo Primary 1

Laerskool Rustenburg Noord 0 (7) vs. Kgetleng Primary 0 (8)

Final

Laerskool Rustenburg Noord 0 vs. Kgetleng Primary 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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