Louis Botha successfully defends their Wildeklawer crown
For the second consecutive year, Louis Botha has been crowned the Absa Wildeklawer champions held at the city of Kimberley from the 28th of April to the 1st of May 2023.
A successful event that displayed spectacular talent, with top teams at the school level across the country. All competing for the bragging rights of becoming the second team to win Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament.
For Louis Botha, they were here to defend and take the title to Bloemfontein as they did with the first title. Louis Botha defeated Brebner High School (semi-finals) 3-2 on penalties after both sides held each in an entertaining draw at 2-2. Virginia High School on the other hand reached the finals by defeating Navalsig High School by a goal to nil.
Going into the final of the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament, it was clear the title had moved away from the province of Northern Cape to the Free State.
The match final between these two teams is one to remember for years to come, both teams showed impressive technical discipline, high pressing, and physical attributes making an even match and entertaining final for the spectators.
Virginia High School took the first lead in the 15th minute of the game. A great build from the back forced their opponents to commit an error that led to the first goal of the game. However, the defending champions, Louis Botha soon equalized taking the game to the first at one all.
Coming into the second half of the game, both teams continued playing impressive football, and as expected goals came in the second half. The game ended in a draw 2-2 taking the game into extra time.
Louis Botha showed why they are the champions as they soon extended the lead in the extra time. Trying to equalize and fight for the title, Virginia High School put in a good fight with high pressing, applying pressure, and forcing Louis Botha to play into their half.
However, in the dying minutes, Louis Botha put the nail into the coffin, scoring their 4th and last goal of the tournament. The game ended at 4-2 in extra time in favour of Louis Botha meaning they have successfully defended their crown.
Louis Botha players also dominated the award ceremony for their amazing talents and hard-fought victory:
Man of the Match: Rehlonolofaditswe Blessing Thula
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Khanyisa Lester
Top Goal scorer of the Tournament: Katleho Kabi (12 goals)
Player of the Tournament: Kwanda Lupalule
Coach of the Tournament: Sedilaka Mokone
