A new year, a new coach and a new (historic) record in sight…
This is what is on the horizon for Windsor High – defending champion of the Gavin Manuel Memorial School’s Legacy Cup which kicks off on Monday (2 October – 3 October 2023) at the Rocklands High School in Mitchells Plain.
Windsor is gunning for a feat that was never done before by winning the ever-growing and popular school crown back-to-back after former champions such as Livingstone (2016), Oval North (2017), Portland (2018) and Spine Road (2019) all fell short in the past.
Windsor’s Head of Sport Grant Knipe has played his hand clearly leaving no stone unturned in their quest to become the first school to successfully defend this title.
Knipe has roped in a former pupil in Kirsten McPherson, a young coach learning his trade at the Hazendal United soccer club, to ensure that history will be made.
McPherson, who matriculated from Windsor in 2018, is a very ambitious and confident young coach who does not shy away from a challenge.
The 24-year-old McPherson informed No Bones with Jones that he is grateful for the opportunity but added he is under no illusion of the task at hand to ensure that the trophy remains in the Southern Suburbs, the Lansdowne/Rondebosch area to be exact.
“It’s a tough task to take but one to relish and take hold of because knowing we are the team everyone wants to beat and get the better of, but we have to take every game as a final and be well prepared,” McPherson stated. “It’s a privilege to be part of this team and being an ex-pupil makes it even more special to give back to the school and fellow educators who have taught me like Mr. Merckel and Mr. Knipe.
“It was an honour to have been under their wings to become a coach of these wonderful boys. Making history and retaining the title will mean so much, not just to me personally but to the whole school. Look, we are here to compete but also to enjoy football and get the experience, we are well prepared, we have a goal and the boys are hungry and ready to give it their all. I think it will definitely be a bonus if we pull this one through,” McPherson concluded.
Meanwhile, the tournament director Sean Campbell has ensured that gender equality is maintained with the introduction of an under-18 section for girls.
Manyano High, Harry Gwala High, Rocklands High, Cedar High, Pelican Park High, Zeekoevlei High, Grassdale High and Muizenberg High will all vie for the inaugural girl’s title.
The two-day tournament can be followed by downloading the SuperSport school’s app.
