Hoërskool Patriot will host the Mpumalanga Middle School rugby finals for the first time in 26 years on Saturday when its first team takes on Steelcrest High.
Excitement for the match is growing so much that first-team player Koketso Montshiwa personally invited the newsroom to attend.
“Hi Witbank News, this is Patriot’s first team, and we’d love it if you guys could show us support,” said Koketso in his message. “If it’s not too much to ask, we will be facing Steelcrest High on July 25. We’ll be hosting the final at Hoërskool Patriot, and we’d love it if you guys could support us.”
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He did not waste any time and quickly locked in an interview and photo session for the team.
For the team, playing on home turf is a huge advantage.
“Playing in front of our home crowd is a great boost. It gives us courage and confidence. We are not only doing this for ourselves, but for those who believed in us too,” Koketso said.
The team started the season with a loss and had to go back to the drawing board.
“The setback was the beginning of a major comeback. We had to lose to realise we could win,” Koketso said.
Determined to bring trophy home
“From the beginning, we knew we had this,” said backline captain Nyiko Mhelembe.
“The goal was never to reach the final; it was to win. Our biggest drive is bringing the trophy home and displaying it in the foyer. The last time we hosted the final was decades ago, and our boys are ready and determined to bring it back home.”
The frontline captain of the team, Sizwe Mahlalela, said: “Communication is the key to success. What we do at practice is what we’re going to do on Saturday, and making sure that the boys are serious, jokes aside, and most important of all, keeping the momentum high. It’s everyone’s duty to talk to your brother next to you, tell him it’s time to focus, and rugby is the first priority for us as a team. Keep that in mind.”
Steelcrest is a tough opponent.
The team is not letting any secrets out before the game and Sizwe said: “The real secret is hard work, commitment, and believing in your team. There’s no shortcut to success, and that’s something we hope the next generation understands. If you put in the work and stay dedicated, results will follow.”
“The message from the locker room is simple: enjoy the moment, trust your preparation, and play for each other,” said coach Jacques Hatting. “These are the moments young players dream about, and we want to show them how to embrace them.”
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Match day schedule
The games are all played on the A-field:
• 08:30 – U14 teams of Witbank High and Steelcrest will be in action
• 09:35 – U15s of Kriel and Steelcrest will battle it out
• 10:40 – Witbank High and Steelcrest’s U16 teams will dig deep
• 12:00 – The first teams from Patriot and Steelcrest are not to be missed.
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Lucia Mudzanani
www.citizen.co.za
