Booi falter, but come away with some pride

MOPHELA Primary School from KwaZulu-Natal have earned bragging rights after winning the Danone Nations Cup U12 national soccer tournament at the W J Clements Stadium at Reiger Park over the weekend.

They will now represent the country at the world finals taking place in the US at New York City’s Red Bull Arena from September 21-24, where teams from around the globe will compete for the prestigious number one spot.

Eastern Cape representative, Isaac Booi Primary from PE lost their first two games and played a draw in their final match against Bankhara-Bodulong Intermediate School, from Northern Cape.

Isaac Booi Primary team manager, Siphiwo Witbooi, was quick to point out how they failed to secure a win, citing experience and fitness in his team. “Our side was not mentally and physically fit as these other teams were, but I’m very proud because our boys did extremely well,”he said.

“I have been with them for quite some time now and I have not seen them playing like they did. Even though we lost, I am happy.”

Witbooi said they faced tough teams, and in the first match the boys “moved forward with the ball but their opponent Arcon Park were more experienced in handling the ball and defending their territory. And we conceded four goals. They were a good team”.

“Then during the other games we played we fought but it was not enough to secure a win,” he said.

He said exposure to big sporting events also played a role on them losing at that stage. This would not be their last appearance at the national tournament.

“We are going make this tournament an annual event we attend with the boys,” he said.

“We have to make sure we win at home and then come to play here until we win this thing.”

Winning coach Siyabonga Ndimande said it was not an easy task, but he is overjoyed that his team won.

The KZN side finished with an overall nine points, winning the final game against Sekusile Primary School from Mpumalanga 2-1 in a toughly contested game.

“It was not easy at all. We had to push ourselves over the limit to ensure we came out victorious.

“We are now going to start preparing for September because there [world finals in New York] things will be more tougher,” he said.