Edendale, Hillcrest, Port Shepstone win, Glenwood and Westville drop points
Round two of the Mancosa KwaZulu Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNSHFA) Coastal and Inland leagues lit up football venues in Durban and Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday.
While some established powers, like Maritzburg College, made their mark, others, including Westville Boys’ High and Glenwood, found themselves facing stiff battles.
Coastal A League
In the Coastal A League, the competition has been intense. On Tuesday, the status quo was challenged when Hillcrest High School defeated the reigning champions, Glenwood High School, 2-0
It has been a sub-standard start to the season for the Green Machine when compared to their usual standards, and goals from Banele Ngongoma and Aiden Whitby secured Hillcrest a treasured win. Coach Cayle Marillier‘s Hillcrest team appears to be back to their competitive ways after a tough season in 2024.
Westville Boys’ High School, meanwhile, played to a 1-1 draw against Pinetown Boys’ High, the winners of the Kearsney Soccer Tournament in 2024.
Empangeni High School scored their first win of the season by defeating Northwood School 2-1. It was Northwood’s second consecutive loss after Hillcrest beat them 1-0 in the opening round of the league.
Port Shepstone is in strong early season form and has scored six times without conceding in their two outings. They appear to be well-balanced and have already established themselves as a potential title contender.
On Tuesday, Sheppie defeated Bechet 2-0. In their season opener, they cruised to a commanding 4-0 win over Empangeni.
Inland A League
The second round of the Inland A league rained goals. That was a welcome development after a disappointing first round that was marred by rain, which led to some teams having to share the points. Entering the second week, teams were focused on bagging three points for a win.
Edendale Technical High School, eager to succeed, recorded a 2-0 victory over Haythorne Secondary School, on Barns Field, at Maritzburg College, thanks to goals from Wandile Madlala and Bekwa Alwande, which earned their side three crucial points.
The defending champions, Carter High School, had to settle for a second draw in succession. They finished 1-1 against Ixopo Secondary School, thanks to a goal from Amukelwa Khuzwayo.
Maritzburg College’s prolific striker and vice-captain, Mazithi Qasha, netted twice in a 4-2 win over Alexandra High School, with Malachi Momple, also a vice-captain, and Siphelele Sibiya contributing the other goals for the Red, Black, and White.
Linpark High School claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Newton.
RESULTS
Coastal A League
Hillcrest High School 2-0 Glenwood High School
Westville Boys’ High School 1-1 Pinetown Boys’ High
Empangeni High School 2-1 Northwood School
Port Shepstone 2-0 Bechet
Inland A League
Edendale Technical High School 2-0 Haythorne Secondary School
Carter High School 1-1 Ixopo Secondary School
Linpark High School 3-0 Newtown
Maritzburg College 4-2 Alexandra High School
Forthcoming Fixtures
Coastal B league: Thursday, 24 April
Venue: Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:00 – Amanzimtoti vs Sastri
16:05 – Durban High School vs Queensburgh High School
Field 2
15:10 – Grosvenor vs New Forest
16:05 – Ashton Ballito vs Redwood
Coastal C League: Friday, 25 April
Venue: Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:10 – George Campbell vs Canaan College
16:05 – Birdswood vs Durban Academy
Field 2
15:10 – Brettonwood vs Canaan College
16:05 – Ashton Ballito Team B vs George Campbell
Inland B League: Thursday, 24 April
Venue: Alexandra High School
Field 1
15:00 – Alexandra High School vs Riverwood
16:05 – Heritage Academy vs ML Sultan
Field 2
Thornhill vs Northbury
Maritzburg College Team B vs Maritzburg Christian School
Inland C League: Friday, 25 April
Venue: AB Jackson
15:00 – Maritzburg College Team C vs Umvuzo
16:05 – Michaelhouse vs Newtown Team B
