Urban Academy Private School’s (Despatch) first team soccer has etched its name in the annals of sporting glory, securing the bronze medal at the renowned Kearsney Soccer Tournament.
This triumph marks a significant milestone for the school, as it firmly establishes Urban Academy as a permanent fixture in this annual event.
The road to the bronze medal was paved with intense competition and unforgettable matches. Urban Academy’s first team soccer played with grit and flair.
The tournament kicked off against Clifton College, where Urban Academy secured a 4–2 victory. They then faced Maqutshana Secondary School, emerging victorious with a hard-fought 1–0 win.
In a closely-contested battle, Urban Academy locked horns with Lebone II College of the Royal Bafokeng, resulting in a 1–1 draw.
One of the tournament’s most heart-stopping encounters saw Urban Academy face off against Paul Roos Gymnasium in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The teams fought tooth and nail until the end, but Urban Academy emerged with a 3–2 victory.
The semi-final clash against TuksSport High was nothing short of epic with a penalty shootout taking place with barely any daylight left. Urban Academy fought valiantly, but the match ended in a penalty shootout, with TuksSport High narrowly claiming the victory 8–7.
However, Urban Academy’s soccer journey wasn’t over yet. They went on to secure the bronze medal by defeating Paul Roos Gymnasium once again in a penalty shootout, ending with a resolute 2–0 scoreline.
Individual brilliance was also on display during the tournament, with one of Urban Academy’s players earning the esteemed recognition of being selected as one of the 11 best players of the entire event.
Coach Kagan Assam expressed immense pride in the players’ achievements. “Our boys worked tirelessly and displayed unwavering dedication throughout the tournament. Securing the bronze medal and earning a spot among the tournament’s best players is a testament to their hard work and passion for the sport.”
Dr. Estienne Cronje, Urban Academy director, stated, “The Urban Academy community is buzzing with excitement and pride as they celebrate their first team soccer’s success at the Kearsney Soccer Tournament. This achievement marks a new era for the school, competing and being akin to the country’s greatest schools. They look forward to continuing their legacy as a dominant force in all fields of sport and academic excellence.”
Urban Academy Private School’s bronze medal and individual accolades serve as a reminder of the talent and dedication that lie within the school’s sporting ranks.
Dr. Cronje stated, “Apart from this incredible achievement, the first team is also the 2023 Victoria Park Soccer Tournament Champs. This year’s achievements create immense excitement among all our teams who will also compete in our annual MacSteel Urban Cup that takes place in March 2024, showcasing over 64 teams from over 20 schools in soccer, netball, and rugby.”
Urban Academy Private School’s first team soccer now look forward to their tour to St. Andrew’s College in August. Congratulations to the team on their impressive achievement!
