27 April 2023
The Maritzburg College 1st football team got their league campaign off to a winning start on Barns Field at College on Wednesday, scoring a comfortable 4-0 victory over Newton.
For a first outing, it was a good performance, with College using the width of the pitch effectively and owning the possession stakes. They worked hard to maintain control of the ball and were persistent in fighting to get it back when they lost it.
Nic Haswell told Pinnacle Schools: “From Maritzburg College’s side, as the Director of Football, I am very happy that we started with a 4-0 win. What made me excited is that they started to scratch the surface of what their potential is. We are incredibly excited about the talented squad that we have.
“It’s wonderful, first of all, to get the league started. This league is very important, not only to Maritzburg College, but to all football players and coaches. We love football, and we love nothing more than playing in competitive league games.”
Malachi Momple provided the highlight of the contest, with a stunning left-footed screamer into the top corner of the goal, to the goalkeeper’s left, which left the net-minder grasping at air. The quality strike will, no doubt, remain one of the best of the season.
Momple was joined on the scoresheet by Thando Hlope, Mazithi Qasha and Philasande Khuzwayo, but there were some opportunities that were squandered, which was to be expected in a first league outing for the red, black and white.
“Obviously, the more games that you play and the longer they play together, they start to gel better,” Haswell said.
“I think, in the second half, we really saw that there was really only one football team on the field. Obviously, as a coach, I always want more goals, and I know there is a lot of improvement to be made. But I am very happy that, in patches, the boys produced exactly what we have been working on as coaches and players.”
College’s effort in trying to dominate the possession stakes was reminiscent of the approach of one of the world’s great club teams. Haswell explained: “To be honest, our philosophy is based on a similar model to what Barcelona’s is. If your team has the ball, the other team cannot score, so we treat it with the utmost care. We like to be in control of the ball, wherever it is, at any given time. If you can do that, you’re going to win more games than you lose.”
The standout player on the day was the home team’s stand-in captain and defensive midfielder, Alwand’usapho Cele, who did an impeccable job tidying up play, distributing the ball, and making strong tackles.
Wildeklawer Festival
Maritzburg College’s regular captain Mateo Horstead sat out the match with a small injury, so he supported his team-mates from the side of the field. He was rested ahead of College’s forthcoming participation in the Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley, where many of South Africa’s top football teams will be in action.
The action gets under way on Saturday, with an 08:00 kick off against Saint Stithian’s. Later in the day, College takes on Paul Roos Gimnasium. The next morning, they face Bloemfontein’s Brebner in another early start.
“We hope we’re ready,” College Director of Football, Nic Haswell, said with a smile.
Result
Maritzburg College 4 (Hlope, Momple, Qasha, Khuzwayo) Newton 0
Wildeklawer Fixtures
Saturday, 29 April
08:00: Maritzburg College vs Saint Stithian’s
14:00: Maritzburg College vs Paul Roos Gimnasium
Sunday, 30 April
08:00: Maritzburg College vs Brebner
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