The Border Under-18A hockey team produced a determined and united performance to secure the bronze medal at the Interprovincial Tournament (IPT) at Hilton College, capping off an impressive campaign in the B Section.
Coached by Kevin Bennett and co-captained by Matthew Henry and Yibonge Mquqwana, Border went unbeaten throughout the group stages before defeating Eastern Gauteng 1-0 in the bronze medal playoff to finish third overall.
Border opened their campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Limpopo before drawing 2-2 against both KZN Inland B and Eastern Gauteng.
Strong performances continued on day four with wins over Eastern Province B (2-1) and Eden (3-1), earning the side a place in the semifinals.
Although Border suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Northern Gauteng B in the semifinal, the team responded superbly on the final day with a disciplined defensive display to edge Eastern Gauteng 1-0 and secure the bronze medal.
The tournament highlighted the team’s resilience and consistency, while Selborne College Grade 11 pupil Reid Drake finished as Border’s leading goalscorer with eight goals.
Speaking to Go!, Bennett praised his players for their commitment throughout the tournament.
“The way the lads played, they displayed tenacity and hunger,” he said. “From my strikers to midfielders, defenders and our goalkeeper, they were all outstanding.
“When we attacked, we moved well off the ball, passed accurately and created opportunities.
“When they carried the ball, they eliminated defenders, and defensively they were tough and brave.”
Bennett said their final match demonstrated the character of the team.
“Especially in that third-place playoff, because we won the game 1-0.
“They defended exceptionally well in that match.”
He admitted the semifinal defeat was difficult to accept after the team’s ambition of winning the tournament and earning promotion to the A Section.
“It was heartbreaking because we had set ourselves the goal of winning the tournament.
“We wanted promotion to the A Section, and the boys were devastated after the loss to Northern Gauteng.”
However, he said his players performed exceptionally well to “bounce back so quickly after a disappointing loss and win the bronze medal”. Remaining unbeaten throughout the group stages, he added, reflected the team’s strong culture.
“Our values were built on respect, unity and carrying ourselves with class.
“The team was united in everything we did. You could see it on the field in the way we passed to each other and how we defended together whenever we lost possession.
“On and off the field, our success came from the spirit within the team. It was something everyone could feel.”
Bennett said the players experienced every emotion together during the week. “The boys were laughing, singing and crying together.
“It is a testament to how united they were and how comfortable they felt with one another.”
While Drake’s eight-goal haul stood out, Bennett emphasised that the team’s success was built on a collective effort.
“There were many outstanding players. Matthew Henry also had an excellent tournament, and the entire squad produced exceptional performances throughout the week.”
He singled out co-captains Henry of Selborne College and Yibonge Mquqwana of Queen’s College for their leadership.
“Matthew and Yibonge were exceptional leaders. They led the team brilliantly throughout the tournament.
“Their leadership and influence were outstanding both on and off the field, and they set the right example for the rest of the squad.”
Bennett believes the continued growth of Border hockey depends on collective support from the wider hockey community.
“The biggest danger is operating in isolation and believing one person can change everything.
“If the hockey community pulls together around these children and gives them the best support possible, that’s a recipe for success.”
Border U18A squad: Serrano Poovan, Reid Drake, Saneze Kweba, Matthew Henry, Ceba Manzini, Asi Vena, Yibonge Mquqwana, Jarren Marillier, Ethan Hykes, Inathi Gxobole, Brad Collins, William Schaefer, Shaan Packery, Aventhandwa Manyonga, Tofiro Kagoro and Skylar Ganda.
