iLembe Sharks U12 team crowned kings of KZN
The Ian MacLeod football tournament, held at Kearsney College over the weekend of July 12 and 13, featured intense competition as 13 district teams from across KwaZulu-Natal battled for honours.
This is only the second year the North Coast district has entered a team into this prestigious football festival, delivering an outstanding performance to lift the trophy.
The iLembe Sharks played 12 matches, winning 11, drawing just one and conceding only a single goal throughout the tournament in a dominant run to the title.
Goalkeeper D'Artagnan Munro and midfielders Sibusiso Shaba, Jordan Wright and Kayden Duncan were all selected for next year's KZN U13 trials. Wright was also named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
Saturday brought wet and misty conditions, but the Sharks' spirit remained undampened. The team played eight matches on the opening day, winning seven and drawing one.
'It was a physically and mentally demanding start, yet the boys powered through with focus and energy. The following day, we brought fresh intensity,' said head coach Jakez Kritzinger.
The Sharks were awarded one walkover and then won their remaining two group matches, setting up a high-stakes final clash against the unbeaten Durban North Pumas, who had won all 11 of their games.
'We had to win the final game to lift the trophy,' said Kritzinger. 'A draw would have handed the title to the North Durban Pumas.'
The final match was a tense, fast-paced affair with everything on the line. Both teams played with heart and discipline. With less than five minutes remaining, playmaker Rugolo O'Neal broke the deadlock, scoring the goal that sealed a 1-0 victory.
'To see these boys give everything, especially under pressure and in difficult conditions, was inspiring,' said Kritzinger.
'This team made history and they truly earned it. They played as a band of brothers and showed their quality.'
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