In a thrilling Boys final, South Africa edged Zambia 4-2 in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out after the teams were locked at 1-1. Luthando Mkhize’s second-half equalizer canceled out Zambia’s opener, with the tension mounting until the shoot-out, where South Africa kept their cool, scoring all four of their spot-kicks.
The Girls final saw South Africa come from behind to beat Malawi 3-1, with star striker Leonay Kock leading the charge. After conceding their first goal of the tournament to Malawi’s Rejoice Silungwe, South Africa responded swiftly as Kock netted twice and Lethuthando Mthembu added another to seal a dominant win.
This victory continues South Africa’s unbeaten run in the competition, having won both Boys and Girls titles in 2022 and 2023. The Girls team, crowned African champions earlier this year in Tanzania, will be back to defend their title in the continental finals. Joining them will be Malawi’s Girls team, while South Africa’s Boys team also advance to represent the region.
Individual brilliance shone through as Zambia’s Tenani Simfukwe was named Player of the Tournament in the Boys category, with teammate William Zulu winning the Golden Glove. Malawi’s Okester Kanyenda took home the Golden Boot for his four goals.
In the Girls division, South Africa’s Kock was unstoppable, winning both the Player of the Tournament award and the Golden Boot with a whopping 11 goals! Goalkeeper Mia Heneke bagged the Golden Glove for South Africa, and Malawi took home the Fair Play award.
What a spectacular weekend for South African football! The country once again proves its dominance in the COSAFA Schools Cup, and all eyes will be on their teams at the continental finals!
BOYS FINAL
Zambia 1 (Sydney Zulu) South Africa 1 (Luthando Mkhize)
South Africa won 4-2 on penalties
GIRLS FINAL
Malawi 1 (Rejoice Silungwe) South Africa 3 (Leonay Kock 2, Lethuthando Mthembu)
TOURNAMENT STATS
BOYS
Matches played: 15
Goals scored: 39
Biggest win: Namibia 0-6 Malawi (Group A, October 11)
Most goals in a game: 6 – Namibia 0-5 Malawi (Group A, October 11)
GIRLS
Matches played: 15
Goals scored: 73
Biggest win: South Africa 13-0 Angola (Group B, October 11)
Most goals in a game: 13 – South Africa 13-0 Angola (Group B, October 11)
