Soccer Tournament
In a competitive tournament held in East London in the run-up to the World Cup, Victoria Park High School from Port Elizabeth once again reinforced their claim to being a top soccer school. With entries in three age groups, the teams came up against schools from the Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng, as well as local opposition.
The Under 14 team dropped only one point in the round robin stage, which left them top of the group and facing a strong team from Westville Boys’ High in the final. In the pouring rain, VP secured a 2 – 1 victory to win the trophy. Reece Brower was the top goal scorer of the tournament, while VP captain Achuma Mtati was voted Under 14 Player of the Tournament.
In the Under 16 division, VP swept all before them in the round robin stage and topped their group unbeaten. They then faced Selborne College, whom they had beaten earlier, in the final. This time Selborne exacted revenge and VP went down narrowly 0 – 1.
Victoria Park’s First team were dominant in their section. They were unbeaten at the end of the round robin stage, and with 5 wins they topped the group. In an exciting final they romped home against St David’s from Johannesburg 4 – 0, thus successfully defending the title they won last year.
Ex-Bafana player Brendan Augustine was on hand to choose a Team of the Tournament. The ten VP players who made this team were: Sima Myathaza , Sonwabo Belewa ,Yongama Dilima,, Loyiso Zitho, Unathi Tyala, Freedom Funani, Sinoxolo Booi, Sibulele Rwexana, Mandilakhe Zaze and Siseko Xatase. In addition, Unathi Tyala received the award for the top goal scorer and he was also chosen as Player of the Tournament.
Coach Mr Ralton Leander said he was very satisfied with the standard of soccer played by his team. They will test their skills against more tough opposition in August when they travel to Bloemfontein to take part in the Grey College / FNB Schools Soccer Tournament.
Results
Under 14
VP 5 Greenfields 0
VP 1 Cambridge 1
VP 15 Buffalo City 0
VP 2 Westville Boys’ High 0
VP 2 Westville Boys’ High 1 (Final)
Under 16
VP 6 Gonubie High 0
VP 4 Greenfields 0
VP 2 Selborne College 1
VP 5 Knight’s College 2
VP 4 Birmingham United 0
VP 0 Selborne College 1 (Final)
First Team
VP 11 Bridge House 2
VP 1 St David’s 0
VP 2 Kimberley Boys’ High 0
VP 4 Glenvista High 0
VP 3 Kearsney College 1
VP 4 St David’s 0 (Final)
