SOCCER NEWS - On Saturday afternoon, 16 August, George Royal Academy (GRA) qualified for the Western Cape Kay Motsepe U19 Schools Cup when they defeated Murray High from Plettenberg Bay1-0 in a tough regional final at Kwanokuthula Stadium in Plettenberg Bay.

Liyema Thukwayo netted the only goal of the game booking a place for his side in the provincial leg of the Kay Motsepe U19 Schools Cup. GRA will represent Eden for the second time in the provincial leg taking place in Beaufort West later this year.

Rolling the ball

The Kay Motsepe U19 Schools Cup regional final got off to a perfect start with GRA rolling the ball on the ground while using the pace of Lihle Toto to turn back Murray High's back line and forcing them to panic in the first 15 minutes.

But Aqhamile Mooi managed to block a powerful shot by Toto and on the attack, Murray High relied on Lakhiwe Menze's strength.

However, GRA, captained by Ayabonga Mntengwana, kept pushing on the flanks and Tukwayo went on to net the only goal of the match.

Murray High offensive player, Ikho Ntsuntsu, missed a chance to score after a delightful cross from the right side of the field.

The second half started on fire with GRA players, Gift Dladla and Sange Manzi, supported by Ayabonga Mtengwana, controlling the game and although the Murray players did all they could, they could not net a goal.

Ready for next stage

GRA coach Andrew Scott told George Herald he is delighted with the boys' performance - the result of hard work.

After school the boys train four times per week - in the gym and on the pitch. "We are very excited about competing in the next stage of the competition and would love to make it to the nationals."

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