By: Snenhlanhla Ndudula

Ndongeni Primary school from Umlazi begun the Durban Stars Top32 Schools tournament on a high as they drew first blood against Yellowwood Primary on Thursday.

Ndongeni showed from the whistle that they mean business.  The Umlazi school secured a much deserved 3-0 win.  It was vivid from the beginning that they could walk away with bragging rights as they dominated the game.

Zandile Khawula, a member of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA), commended the display of the youngsters.

“As they are playing now, they are producing a winner for the Phumelela circuit, Umlazi District. The boys are playing well and giving their all, but the weather is affecting their
performance as the sun is blazing hot which is slowing them down a bit,” said Khawula.

Ndaba Ngcobo, coach for the winning side, said, “Overall their performance today was not their best. We will have to work even harder because they were frightened that they got to
this level and they were still getting familiar with their surroundings.”

Yellowwood did manage to gain confidence during the second stanza although they had not managed to find the back of the net.  There was a positive spirit that was being radiated by
their supporters.

“We played quite well in the first half but in the second half I don’t know what happened, they became too relaxed. But we will take this as a learning curve and better ourselves,”
Yellowwood Park coach, Mzakhe Sithole admitted.

The Top32 Schools tournament was launched in Moses Mabhida and includes model c schools and underdeveloped schools.  It will run until 3 October and Moses Mabhida Stadium
will host the final.

Ndongeni will now play on Saturday at Cator Manor Stadium to represent the Umlazi District for the Schools league.