Sanity and common sense prevailed after it was confirmed that Itsitsa Primary – and not Herzlia High School – will represent the Western Cape in the under-14 section of the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship this weekend in Saldanha Bay.
No Bones with Jones have been informed that Herzlia, along with Safa Western Cape and the sponsors have exhausted all avenues to accommodate the Jewish community school but to no avail.
Herzlia won the Western Province district final when they beat coach Mandla Matafeni’s Itsitsa-outfit by 2-1 recently at Elsbury Park in Matroosfontein to qualify for the provincial finals on the West Coast.
One can only imagine how despondent and sad the spirited players from Herzlia must feel who won the district title at their very first attempt.
What many don’t know and realise is that these players had to overcome a solid Portavue Primary school (on penalties) team coached by Goodwin Lewis, to progress to the district final at their very first attempt.
Irrespective of how things have played out to their disadvantage, the whole of the Herzlia school community can be immensely proud of what they have accomplished and walk with their heads held high.
Needless to say, that Herzlia have made an undeniable impact in the broader society. Herzlia could not form part of the tournament due to the fact that it clashes with their religious period of Sabbath whereby Jews engage in prayer and worship over on the Saturday.
And as the old adage goes, one man’s loss is another man’s gain, and Iitsitsa, the runner-up at their first tournament as well, will now have a chance to flex their muscles at the provincial final in Saldanha – best of luck to all participants!
