Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal – In a resounding triumph that ended an 16-year drought, Pinetown Boys High School (PBHS) emerged victorious at the 2024 Kearsney College Soccer Tournament. The title, their first major trophy since the 2008 Kloof High School Tournament, marked a significant milestone for the school. The road to glory was paved with determination and resilience. PBHS entered the tournament with a burning desire for redemption after narrowly missing out on the Kloof High School Tournament title in 2023. Defeats against Paarl Roos Gymnasium (Paarl Roos Gymnasium won on penalties 6 – 5  in the Shield trophy final at Kloof High school tournament 2024) and Tuks fueled their competitive spirit, and they were eager to prove their mettle against these opponents once more had any of these  teams crossed paths with Pinetown.

The PBHS team showcased exceptional form from the outset, dominating their group matches. On Day 1 saw the Pinetown outfit displaying exceptional football quality and made it clear that they were there to play football and secure solid wins and doing so by removing whoever was in their way of succeeding.  Consecutive victories over Northwood Boys (2-0), MAQHUTSHANA Secondary School (3-0), and Tuks School of Sports (1-0) secured Pinetowns place in the semi-finals against hosts Kearsney College. A convincing 3-0 win over Kearsney propelled PBHS into the Championship Cup final against Siyajabula Secondary School.

The championship match was a tense affair, with both teams locked in a scoreless battle for the majority of the game. However, with just minutes remaining, Awande Xaba broke the deadlock, securing a 1-0 victory for PBHS. Xaba’s goal was the icing on the cake for a dominant tournament performance that saw him finish as the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals.The team’s defensive prowess was equally impressive, as they maintained a clean sheet throughout the competition. Khulekani Nxumalo was recognized for his outstanding contributions by being named Player of the Tournament.

PBHS soccer coach, Siyabonga Mnganga, expressed his immense pride in the team’s achievement. “The boys worked tirelessly and demonstrated unwavering determination,” he said. “This victory is a testament to their hard work and commitment. It’s also a result of the collaborative efforts of the entire team, including our coaching staff, support staff, and the British football academy.”

Mnganga emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork, highlighting the positive impact of the partnership with the British football academy. He extended his gratitude to everyone involved in the team’s success, from the coaching staff to the support staff and even the team driver. The Kearsney College Soccer Tournament victory marks a new chapter for Pinetown Boys High School’s soccer program. With this triumph as a springboard, the team is poised to build on their success and establish themselves as a formidable force in schoolboy football.