PIGG’S PEAK – “We know it will be a difficult match against Nhlangano but we are ready for the challenge.”
Those were the words of Ntfonjeni High School Head Coach Bongumusa ‘Giggs’ Mdluli, on Friday as he turned his sights towards the grand finale of the Instacash Schools Games tournament. The blockbuster showdown was locked in after a thrilling day of semi-final action that saw both sides showcase exactly why they deserve to play for the ultimate prize at the Mavuso Sports Centre on July 3.
Ntfonjeni stamped their ticket to the final with a clinical 2-0 victory over St John Bosco High. From the opening whistle, Mdluli’s squad suffocated their opponents, turning defensive aggression into a lethal offensive weapon.
Reflecting on the tactical masterclass, Mdluli explained that their success came down to relentless execution. “We applied intense pressure which is exactly why they conceded that goal,” he noted, adding that his team’s transition play was devastating. “Each time we had ball control, we looked dangerous.”
To lift the trophy, however, Ntfonjeni will have to dismantle a resilient Nhlangano Central High side that booked their final spot by edging out Big Bend High 2-1 in the other semi-final.
While Ntfonjeni rely on tactical suffocation, Nhlangano Central is fuelled by the raw emotion of redemption. Having suffered a painful semi-final exit last year to Evelyn Baring before bouncing back to beat Mpaka High in the third-place play-off, Nhlangano is playing with a chip on their shoulder.
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Ntfonjeni High School pupils jubilantly hoist goalkeeper Boy Shongwe after his heroics helped secure a 2-0 victory over St John Bosco High School, booking their place in the InstaCash Schools Games final. (Pic: Sanele Jele)