Maneledzi High School will represent Vhembe at the provincial Kay Motsepe U/19 soccer tournament, which takes place in Polokwane next Saturday (10 August).
Maneledzi were crowned Vhembe champions on Saturday after defeating Tshiitwa High in the final played at the Eltivillas Grounds in Louis Trichardt. They will now face the winners from the province's four other regions.
Maneledzi High's coach, Mr Patrick "Mufu" Nageli, said the school had been participating in the competition since its inception and this would be their fourth appearance in the provincial final. "The boys are very happy about making it to the provincials. I hope that they will eventually get good results."
He said the players were excited about reaching the finals. "They talk as if they have already won. It shows the level of their commitment."
Nageli said the team had received tremendous support from the school, the local traditional leader, the principal, the teachers and members of the community. "Just getting to the provincial finals has made a difference to the boys in terms of confidence and motivation."
He said their aim was to use the tournament as a stepping stone to the national championship. "Apart from the fact that there is a lot at stake in the competition, it is time for us to fulfil our promises. We promised the fans and all the Vhembe residents that we want to bring home some silverware."