The British Football Academy, representing Pinetown Boys High School, were crowned winners of the 2024 Kearsney Soccer Tournament, hosted annually by renowned KwaZulu-Natal boys high school Kearsney College.
BFA remained unbeaten throughout the three-day tournament, and marched all the way to the final without conceding a single goal, before again recording a clean sheet and beating Siyajabula High 1-0 – Awande ‘Torres’ Xaba bagging the solitary goal in the all-important decider.
Coach Siya Mnganga, who was naturally ecstatic at the achievement of his young charges, feels their maiden cup triumph will go a long way in raising the profile of both the Academy, as well as Pinetown Boys High School.
“I think it’s really great for the Academy, it’s our first official year, and it’s also great for the school because of how the two brands are growing,” said Mnganga.
The budding tactician also witnessed his boys carry out tactical instructions to the tee, with their attitudes in particular a standout attribute throughout the tournament.
“I was very impressed with how hard we worked off the ball. I know it sounds cliche but the boys really wanted this. I’m also happy we didn’t concede a single goal all tournament, which was testament to everyone’s work rate off the ball,” he noted.
“For the first time in a long time, all the players were also a 7 or 8 out of 10 at the same time, so because they were doing so well individually, it made the team shine more. Hopefully we can carry the same attitude into the [Durban Central LFA] league.”
Another accolade picked up at Kearsney was the Player of the Tournament, which was awarded to midfield ace Khulekani ‘Sdah’ Nxumalo, who dons the number 10 shirt, while Xaba ended with an impressive seven goals in six matches.
While the football success was tangible, the intangible impact of the team on those who came to witness the festivities also left a mark on Coach Siya.
“Another highlight for me was the amount of attention we attracted. The boys were quite vocal with their singing off the pitch, and that’s attracted crowds to us,” he added.
“And then our style of play also made people fall in love with the game and how we were doing things. I think we made a good statement and we touched a lot of people with how we played, and made quite an impact.
“So I’m very happy for us, myself and the coaching staff, the boys, of course, and the academy directors and everyone at the school too.”
Full Results:
Group B: Pinetown Boys High Shool (BFA) 2-0 Northwood School
Group B: Pinetown BHS (BFA) 3-0 Maqhutshana Secondary School
Group B: Pinetown BHS (BFA) 1-0 TuksSport High School
Play-offs: Pinetown BHS (BFA) 6-0 Lebone II College
Semi-final: Pinetown BHS (BFA) 3-0 Kearsney College
Final: Pinetown BHS (BFA) 1-0 Siyajabula High School
