St David’s Marist Inanda keeps Nedbank Challenge Cup trophy at home
The St David’s Marist Inanda’s 1st XI shone brightly on their La Valla home ground on Sunday afternoon, winning the annual Nedbank Challenge Cup in front of their own supporters as the stars aligned perfectly for a rare fairytale ending.
After three days of sweat, strong teamwork, and dedication, Judah Morais, the St David’s captain, proudly led his team onto the podium to receive the winners’ prize.
With Morais’ leading the way, the likes of Zenathi Mthethwa and the rest of the St David’s players found the courage, tenacity and discipline to stomach the nerves of playing a home final, with Mthethwa successfully converting a penalty in the first half of the title game against St John’s College, which would prove to be the match-winner.
Up by one at the break, St David’s had to remain resolute in the second stanza and defend with everything that they had when St John’s pushed hard for an equaliser. The hosts, though, stood firm and the trophy was theirs.
King Edward VII (KES) claimed bronze after edging out Jeppe High School for Boys 1-0 in the third-place playoff.
While the action on the field kept the spectators entertained, the mighty Orlando Pirates sent their players to Inanda in a quest to inspire and upskill the young footballers who were at St David’s on Sunday afternoon.
The Pirates’ players and staff demonstrated some drills to the youngsters and shared words of inspiration with some who, maybe, will join the next generation of professional South African footballers.
Final Day Results
Final
St David’s Marist Inanda 1-0 St John’s College
Third place playoff
King Edward VII School 1-0 Jeppe High School for Boys
Semi-finals
St David’s Marist Inanda (6) 0-0 (5) King Edward VII School
St John’s College 1-0 Jeppe High School for Boys
