The sought-after MRP Foundation Knockout Cup tournament, featuring 32 high schools, continues to be a breeding ground for many schoolboy footballers and it was not surprising to see that the 2016 edition once again produced stars in the making.
Mondale High School, who won the KO Cup twice (2012 and 2013), had the opportunity of being the first school to be crowned three-time champions. However, they fell prey to well-deserved Robinvale High Shool, who successfully defended their title when they inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Nigel Crowie’s side on Saturday.
Robinvale’s success means that they mirror Mondale as the only other school to defend the cup in its 11-year history.
The match-winning goal that separated the two sides came 20 minutes into the second half when Zandré Booysen upended Mondale’s goalie Luther Jacobs with a pinpoint strike that enabled Robinvale to retain the championship tag.
Meanwhile Westridge High School, thanks to Chad Fredericks’ well-taken goal, beat luckless Tafelsig High 1-0 to win the shield trophy.
Two second half goals through Siraaj Williams and Byron Swarts paved the way for Wilbur Beukes’ Beacon Hill side to beat Aloe High 2-0 in the plate final.
Amongst the three individual awards up for grabs, Chadwin Woreley of Groenvlei High in Hanover Park, who was one of six players nominated, won the Top Player of the Tournament award.
Robinvale High’s Lewis Klassen won the Coach of the Tournament award and Christopher Lawerodene was chosen as the best goalkeeper– especially for his outstanding efforts and heroic saves, stopping at least six spot kicks during the knockout stage of the tournament.
Mitchell’s Plain referee Shahied Bains was among two others, Keith Sampson and George Stephanus, in the race for the referee’s accolade. It was adjudicated that Bains, who was outstanding in quite a few difficult games, be awarded with the top prize.
Winners section:
Quarter-final: Robinvale High 4, Tafelsig 3 (penalties, 1-1), Mondale 3, Muizenberg 0; Groenvlei High 4, Westridge 3 (penalties, 0-0), Cloetesville High 4, Spine Road 3 (penalties, 0-0)
Semi-final: Mondale High 2, Groenvlei High 1 (penalties, 0-0), Robinvale High 2, Cloetesville High 0.
Final: Robinvale High 1, Mondale High 0
Shield section:
Semi-final: Westridge High 1, Muizenberg 0; Tafelsig High 2, Spine High 1 (penalties, 0-0)
Final: Westridge High 1, Tafelsig High 0
Plate section:
Semi-final: Beacon Hill High 3, Strandfontein High 1; Aloe High 3, Ocean View 2 (penalties, 0-0)
Final: Beacon Hill High 2, Aloe High 0
