Richard Nkosi

Richard Nkosi

Despite losing 3-1 to Zacheus Malaza High School, East High Academy coach Goodman Ngobeni said he was impressed with his side's performance.

The two sides met in the final of the Mille Cup Under-14 provincial playoffs at KaNyamazane Stadium on Saturday.

Both schools now qualify to represent Mpumalanga in the national playoffs billed for Kwa-Zulu Natal between September 21 and 24.

"The boys played as a team. They are now starting to respond to my tactics," said Ngobeni. "And gauging from today's performance I'm convinced we will do better in the national playoffs."

Nelspruit-based East High booked their place in the final after beating Harmony High School from Piet Retief 4-2 on penalties. The game had ended deadlocked at 0-0 in regulation time.

Zacheus, who are from Witbank, mercilessly thrashed Langa High School from Bushbuckridge 8-0.

Meanwhile, Northern Cape will be represented by Riet Rivier Primary School and Seinkopf High School after Riet Rivier beat Seinkopf 3-0 in the final.

Other provincial representatives that have already been confirmed are Buhlebemfundo High School and Sondelani High School from Kwa-Zulu Natal.

The other six provinces are expected to decide their representatives before September 8.