Mossel Bay schools dominate football fest
Despite the cold, cloudy weather on Saturday afternoon, 9 September, the sport-loving communities in George turned up in great numbers to support the schools football festival at Imizamo Yethu High School.
Mossel Bay's Indwe High U19s were crowned the new Schools Football Festival champions after beating fellow Mossel Bay school Hillcrest High U19s 2-0.
Indwe High's two goals were netted by Mihlali November and Liyabukwa Dyonta.
Indwe player Liyabukwa Dyonta was named the best player of the tournament. Seven high schools and four primary schools participated in this year's Schools Football Festival.
The high schools were Jonga High, Imizamo Yethu Secondary, George Royal Academy, Thembalethu High, Indwe High, Hillcrest High and Pacs High.
The U14 teams of four primary schools participated, namely Mzoxolo, Thembalethu, Tyholorha and MM Mateza.
Mzoxolo Primary from Lawaaikamp was the winning team. Mzokolo player Miyolo Ntwesi was nominated as the best player of the junior tournament.
In the high school semi-finals, Indwe High defeated George Royal Academy 1-0, while Hillcrest High beat Imizamo Yethu 2-1.
The high school final had its share of excitement.
After a failed attempt at the goal by Soneze Duma, Indwe High went on to score with an impressive header from the rebound after a powerful strike from the left side of the field.
Hillcrest High, despite their best efforts and the speed of Wandile Dayeni on left wing, didn't manage to break through Indwe High's stubborn defence.
Indwe High was leading 1-0 at the break. The second half saw both schools looking sharp on the ball with Hillcrest High grinding for the equalising goal, but they were restricted by the Indwe High defenders.
Indwe High scored their second goal after some skilful play from the centre of the field. After a tough game in which the teams gave their all, Indwe walked off the field as the winners.
Tournament organiser Thando Donti said the tournament will form part of the annual programme on the George schools calendar, as prescribed by the mandate of the resolutions made by the George Football Cluster in March.
He thanked everyone who supported and sponsored the festival. He stressed that the festival couldn't happen without the participation of the schools and the support of the sponsors, and expressed the hope that more schools will come on board next year.