The Limpopo-based Benny’s Care Sports Academy has advanced to the finals of the national Kay Motsepe U/19 championship by defeating the Free State-based school, Virginia High, on Thursday (4th).

The winner had to be determined by a penalty shootout after the two schools played to a 1-1 draw. The Limpopo squad ended up winning 5-4. The tournament is taking place at Bekker High School in Magaliesburg.

The team will now face another Free State-based school, Tloutlisong Secondary, in the final match scheduled for 15:00 on Saturday, which will be televised live on SuperSport.

The Kay Motsepe championship is one of the most prestigious school tournaments in the country, boasting a prize of R3 million for the winning team and R700,000 for the runner-up. The provincial winners each received R150,000.

Benny’s Care was the national champion in 2016 in the U/14 category and represented South Africa in France at the World Danone Cup.

Benny’s coach, Mr Mbishi Mokoena, said that they are determined to win the competition again. He said that is important to reward the loyal Limpopo community that has supported the team from the beginning.

Mokoena was highly impressed with the team’s performance in the tournament so far. He stated that preparations for the final on Saturday were well underway, and his boys were eagerly anticipating the challenge.

Mokoena acknowledged the tremendous support they received from local traditional leader Vhamusanda Vho Makhado Sinthumule, Limpopo School Sport, and the school’s management. He added that just reaching the national finals had significantly boosted the boys’ confidence and motivation.

He also noted the players’ excitement about reaching the finals, saying, “I’m delighted to be the coach who has brought them this far in the competition this year.”