.png)
It was double delight for Saints Christian School’s u/19 soccer girls’ team as both their A and B teams finished with gold and silver medals respectively at the 2024 SACSSA (The Southern African Christian Schools Sport Association) senior girls soccer championships.
The Saints u/19 girls team comprises 18 of the best girls’ footballers at the school and for this tournament, they were divided into two teams.
Saints beat all comers from 12 major private schools as both sides contested the final of this six-a-side national tournament.
The final ended with Saints A picking up the trophy with a 2-1 win on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
It was a truly remarkable and unforgettable day for Saints, who showed why they are the best. Saints A beat Covenant 3-0 in the semi-final with the Saints B team winning 1-0 against Westrand.
One of Saints young stars, 11-year-old, Leanny Makusha, has already shown talent and an appetite for pressure, as she saved crucial penalties in the final. What makes this squad special is the mix of different age groups and how this creates opportunities for everyone. It is a case of, if you are good enough, you are old enough.
Superb leadership was a pillar of Saints’ success on the day. Tshegofatso Monyela and Reatile Matlhare captained the A-team, with Shiloh Vorster leading her young B-side to the final.
“We are absolutely over the moon. We and the coaches are so proud. For us to be the two best teams at a national tournament is truly incredible and special,” said Ché Williams, head coach of the Saints u/19 girls soccer team.
Dikeledi Monama, who was in charge of coaching the B-team also lauded the leadership of her captain, Shiloh Vorster.
“Shiloh lead every single girl, on and off the field like a champion. She showed tremendous leadership skills and a passion for her team and the game,” added Monama.
Saints B-team finished top of the league and proceeded to the final where they met their Saints A team-mates. This was mainly due to standout performances from Tshiamo Skunka and Siphokazi Duma who were an impenetrable wall in the defense in the semi-final.
“Although we joked at first, it almost became a reality that we could possibly win the gold medal in the final. Lindelwa Makhapela scored a beautiful goal to put the B-side up 1-0. We had them trembling at one stage. They though equalised shortly thereafter, going straight to extra time then penalties,” added Monama.
"I am so proud of each player. The girls were keen to ensure that coach Ché (Williams) regrets not picking them for the 1st team. They showed a willingness to win at all costs,” ended Monama.
According to Williams, the coaching staff has put a lot of effort into the past few years to ensure that the squad is at another level.
“The A-team dominated the other teams in every area. In general, our organisation, tactics and technical ability are at another level. This win inspires us to continue excelling in the senior 11-a-side tournaments coming up. We also have a Junior SACSSA soccer tournament coming up on 1 June and this win will also inspire our junior players.”
Comments