DURBAN – Edendale Technical Girls High School U16 football team made KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa proud in the Fifa-Caf pan-African football championship held in the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite losing 1-0 to Morocco in the final.
In addition, five of the girls, Aphelele Mhlengi, Nonzuzo Buthelezi (Cape Town), Amahle Sishi, Asanda Mchunu and Olwethu Sishi were selected for the U17 national team.
Before leaving for the DRC last week, coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo said they were grateful for the opportunity and were confident that they would make their province and South Africa proud.
The team had made it through to the final after beating Ethiopia 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Before their final match at 6pm against Morocco on Sunday, the team received a pep talk from Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Arts and Culture Nocawe Mafu and Safa president Danny Jordaan.
KZN Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu congratulated the team for its successful run in the tournament.
“We are very proud of our girls for their sterling performance in the Pan African Tournament. When we sent them off, we told them to go to the tournament and enjoy themselves. Not only did they enjoy themselves, they participated all the way to the finals. We congratulate the entire team, their coach and Edendale Technical High School. They are our shining stars,” Mshengu said.
The tournament included five African countries, South Africa, Morocco, Ethiopia, Senegal, Benin and the DRC.
The Edendale team had travelled to the DRC last Wednesday to represent South Africa in the tournament.
The team, comprised of 17 members (15 players and a coach and manager) are set to return on Tuesday.
The team recently won the National Schools Sports Championships in the Free State.
Daily News