Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

Sixteen high school soccer teams will battle it out in this year's Rowen Fernandez Under-19 Tournament billed for Benoni, from Friday (May 16) until Sunday.

The tournament is named after former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez and is hosted by Benoni High School.

Dave Bowling, tournament director and the school's head coach, explained that the tournament was named after a soccer star for his assistance towards the development of soccer at his former school since 2002.

Schools from Gauteng, Bloemfontein and Zimbabwe will vie for glory in the competitive tournament that has attracted good crowds in the past six years.

Bowling added that the tournament will be divided into four groups and will be played on a round robin system.

The top two teams in each category will automatically qualify for the Benoni Cup quarterfinals and the rest will compete in the Play Cup quarterfinals.

All teams are expected to arrive in Benoni on Thursday, when the welcoming function takes place. The event has attracted celebrated coaches like national U-20 coach Serame Letsoaka and Bidvest Wits' U-19 mentor, Floyd Mogale.