Newton Tech take Charity Cup

NEWTON Tech U19 soccer coach Hannes Lotter believes his team will be a force to be reckoned with after they triumphed in the Nelson Mandela University Charity Cup at the weekend.

Newton defeated rivals Victoria Park 6-5 on penalties in the final after the match ended 0-0 in regulation time.

“This achievement has made me and the school proud. To take the victory is something special for the boys,” Lotter said.

The tournament grouped them alongside Chapman (2-1), Urban Academy (4-0), Linkside (2-1) and Hillside (2-0).

Despite a tough opening fixture in which they scraped past Chapman, they remained unbeaten en route to the final.

“Both teams played exciting football and had their chances,” Lotter said.

“It put some pressure on both teams to put their best out on the field.”

Going into the final match, Lotter said his boys had been exhausted due to the quick turnaround between games.

“I tried to keep them focused and they were up for it.”

The team also ended the tournament’s top goal-scorers, in addition to having a 100% disciplinary record.

VP coach Ralton Leander said losing on penalties was disappointing for the team, but commended them for their performances.

Grouped with Arcadia (0-0), Sanctor (2-0), Morningside (1-0) and St Dominic’s Priory (1-0), the VP defence showed why they are one of the best sides on the schools soccer circuit.

“Having won it in 2016 and again in 2017, it was a bit sad that we could not bring the title back to our school again,” Leander said.

“The boys defended valiantly, especially in the final match.”

He also commended the Newton Tech side’s performance in the tournament, saying they were a lot more physical than his side on the day.