Bay team edged out of national finals

UITENHAGE'S Hombakazi Primary School soccer team narrowly missed out on making the national finals when they were defeated on penalties by Caley Primary in the Danone Nations Cup under-12 provincial finals in Mdantsane on Saturday.

The KwaNobuhle-based team contested the provincial finals after they were crowned the Nelson Mandela Bay regional winners.

Caley Primary, from Sterkspruit in the Joe Gqabi region, will now compete in the national finals, with the winners qualifying for a trip to Brazil.

Hombakazi were beaten on sudden-death penalties after the match ended in a goalless draw.

Despite the loss, Hombakazi coach Xolani Jacobs praised his young players for reaching the provincial finals, their best effort in the event.

"They played very well and worked hard from winning the zonal and the regional finals to become the runners- up at the provincial level.

"We are the first primary school in the Nelson Mandela Bay region to reach the [provincial] finals of this competition and our aim was to play in the national finals."

He said the players were disappointed at being beaten because they wanted a chance in the national finals and the opportunity to earn the trip to Brazil.

Team captain Xhantilomzi Matiwana said the competition had been very tough. "We had a great time even though we didn't win but we are glad that we've put our school on the map," he said.

"I'm honoured to have played for my school in the competition and I'm very excited that we won a silver medal."

Hombakazi will now focus on the Milo U13 tournament, starting next month. - Mthetho Ndoni