Western Cape soccer teams graceful in defeat

Unlucky defeats for both soccer teams from the Western Cape did not deter players from leaving the pitch with smiles at the National Schools Sport Championship at the University of Pretoria on Wednesday, 12 December 2012.

The u13 girls’ team from Teske Gedenk lost 2–0 against the Hlomphanang team from Gauteng, while the u18 girls’ team from Qhayiya Secondary School suffered a 1–0 defeat at the hands of Hudson Ntsanwisi from Limpopo. The other two Western Cape soccer teams – Phakamisani u13 boys and Luckhoff u18 boys – are scheduled to play today.

Despite losing, the players and coaches of these teams had fine opportunities to showcase their talents against the best in the country. The coach of Qhayiya Secondary School, Mr Nkosinathi Joye, said although losing may be painful, his players will bounce back more strongly when they take the field again today.

For his counterpart at Teske Gedenk, Mr Lowellen Appies, the tournament was an unforgettable experience for his players. This was their last match. The majority of the players come from rural backgrounds in Beaufort West, he said. For them, getting the exposure of playing at such an event is a dream come true.

Teske Gedenk player Natasha Damond said she never imagined she would compete in such a major event. “I feel so proud of myself, and I really can’t wait to share this unbelievable experience with my family and friends. I’ve done my community proud by representing the Western Cape.”