SOCCER NEWS - Jonga High School claimed the top inaugural One Love Annual Soccer Tournament spot with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the hosting Imizamo Yethu High School in the final on Saturday 14 February - Valentine's Day.

Second-half goals from Sanezwa Baliti and Okuhle Mzwana secured the win for Jonga after they had trailed at half-time. 

Aphelele Gxagxa had given Imizamo Yethu a 1-0 lead in the first half with a well-placed goal.

The U19 tournament featured teams from Jonga High, Imizamo Yethu High, Thembalethu High and Heatherlands High in a round-robin format. Jonga and Imizamo Yethu advanced to the final after some strong group performances.

The match unfolded in a festive atmosphere, with both sides delivering entertaining, attacking football and creating plenty of chances.

Imizamo Yethu edged ahead before the break, but Jonga emerged revitalised after half-time.

Baliti levelled the score at 1-1, before Mzwana's powerful strike inside the box completed the comeback, handing Jonga bragging rights in the decider.

Individual awards saw Linamandla Jadan Mtonga (Imizamo Yethu) named the Golden Boot winner as top scorer, while Kwanele Malamba earned best goalkeeper honours.

Sponsor Douw Bezuidenhout of Henque Waste highlighted the event's community impact. "We started this to bring back sport and togetherness in Thembalethu," he said. 

"Soccer has the power to unite young people across backgrounds and build confidence. There's one heartbeat, one love in our community - and it's football."

Bezuidenhout aims to grow the tournament into an annual fixture.

Jonga received custom kits, a R5 000 cash prize, a trophy, medals and player bonuses. All participants were rewarded with branded shirts and water bottles, as every learner was celebrated as a winner.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’