FOOTBALL NEWS - The Jonga High School u.19 soccer team made history when they won the regionals of the Kay Motsepe u.19 schools cup in Mossel Bay last weekend - quite a feat for a school that is only four years old.
In their first game, Jonga High defeated Indwe High 3-1 on penalties after the 90 minutes playtime ended on a 1-1 draw. Taking this spirit and teamwork into their second game, they knocked out Murray High on penalties 1(8)-1(7).
The hard-working team from George will represent the Eden Region in the Western Cape provincial finals on 17 September at the NMU George Campus sports field.
Their 16-year-old goalkeeper, Asemahle Mgwetyana, made his mark when he blocked some of the crucial penalties during the tournament. The four high schools that took part in the regionals are Jonga High (George), Murray High (Plettenberg Bay), Indwe (Mossel Bay) and Percy Mdala (Knysna).
Team captain Ayabulela Joja (18) told George Herald that their hard work paid off when they defeated two high schools to reach the Western Cape Kay Motsepe u.19 Schools Cup finals. He said he is looking forward to leading his side to qualify for the national finals for the first time.
It was not an easy task to be in the play-offs, but they pulled together and worked hard as a team and came out with positive results. They received massive support from the school and their team managers.
He added that the players come from different backgrounds, so it is very important that they set the standard for the younger ones, who can learn something from what they have achieved so far as a team.
He also has great faith in their impact players, who he believes surprised many opponents in the tournament and made a huge difference in the play-offs - players such as Lunathi Ndzipho, Lihle Msitshana, Ayabulela Joja, Sinalo Sikateni, Musa Sitofile and Asemahle Mgwetyana.
Jonga High School u.19 soccer team and the team managers. Photos: Zama Gagu
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