Rampant VP win inaugural event
Strelitzia High host 10 Mandela Bay schools
VICTORIA Park’s soccer boys once again filled their school with pride after they walked away as the first winners of the Strelitzia High soccer tournament in Uitenhage at the weekend.
VP took the honours after a nail-biting match against Douglas Mbopa which saw them win 4-3 on penalties.
The inaugural tournament was played on Friday and Saturday.
Strelitzia hosted 10 schools from the Nelson Mandela Bay area. Teams were divided into two groups, with the top two from each group progressing to the knockout rounds.
VP went through the entire tournament losing just one game, against hosts Strelitzia in the round-robin stages, while beating the likes of Bergsig High, VP Challenge champions Woolhope Secondary and neighbours Walmer High School en route to the final.
Strelitzia High soccer coordinator Nathaniel Petersen said he was happy with the outcome of the tournament.
“The main aim we had when hosting this tournament was to gain the necessary exposure to see the event grow at our school,” he said.
“I think the winners [Victoria Park] performed very well at the tournament. They started off slowly. However, they picked up their performances as the tournament went on and ground out results, before finishing strongly.”
VP team manager Joan Clarke said the young team had performed extremely well.
“There are 11 new members in the squad, so to come away with this result was a great achievement for us,” Clarke said.
VP captain and goalkeeper of the tournament Nkosinathi Gcakasi, 19, said he was really happy with the team’s performances at the tournament.
“Our team for the tournament was fairly young, so to come through the way we did was very satisfying, and all I want to say to the boys is keep working hard and you will always achieve success in whatever you do,” he said. VICTORIA Park defeated GraaffReinet side Volkskool 24-13 in their rugby encounter last week.
VP started the match in style when captain Roshaan Stembull scored a try after a well-weighted grubber from wing Qamani Plaaitjie, but Volkskool hit back immediately with a fine try.
VP regained control and scored two more tries before half time through No 8 Sesona Macala.
Volkskool started the second half with renewed focus and determination, but VP’s defence held firm.
They then scored a wellworked try through centre Siyabulela Koza, before Volkskool crossed for their second try to make the final score 24-13.
VP hockey
ALTHOUGH put under pressure from the first whistle by Volkskool, the VP girls’ team showed their ability to score a 1-0 victor y.
Michelle Stockwell secured victory with a decisive strike in the 15th minute.
Twin sister and vice-captain Jacqui Stockwell took charge of the defence to keep Volkskool at bay.