Zuma finally wins

JG ZUMA Secondary School were crowned 2016 Copa Coca-Cola Cup national champions in Bloemfontein yesterday, after beating St Marks Secondary School 2-0 in the final.

Goals by Senzesihle Njupho and Sanele Ngubane in the second period were enough to see the side from KwaZulu Natal clinch their first ever national championship title.

Mcambi Mathaba, who walked away with the coach of the tournament accolade following his side’ scintillating performance throughout this competition, said he couldn’t be more happier with how his charges carried themselves on the final day, particularly in the second half.

“I am pretty chuffed up right now ,I must be honest,” Mathaba said,

“But this was not the case in the first period. My boys were all over the place. We couldn’t keep our structure moving forward. We struggled at the back as well.

“They were scared and I couldn’t understand why.

“I had to give them a tongue-lashing during the halftime break. They understood. They implemented, and we won. “I couldn’t be happier.” “Sometimes you have to be a bit hard on your players to get the best out of them,” added the geography teacher.

Meanwhile, former Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic player, Patrick Malokase said he was pleased with quality of football which was on display in the last three days.

Malokase reckons these kinds of tournaments have the potential to produce quality players who will later go on to play for PSL clubs, just as long they remain committed in unearthing undiscovered talent in the country.

“I was quite impressed with the level of commitment and fitness these boys displayed on the pitch,” Malokase said.

“The way they played shows that they’ve got good coaches who are doing some exceptional work with them on a daily bases. This has to continue.

“I liked the way they kept shape on the pitch.

“Their tactical and technical awareness and discipline was quite impressive as well. The future of South African football certainly looks bright.

“We just need to remain consistent with these kind of development programmes and we’ll be fine.”