Zwide Pirates FC win ZWIFA Mwalimu Youth Development Foundation Preseason tournament
ZWIDE Pirates FC lifted the Zwide Football Association (ZWIFA) Mwalimu Youth Development Foundation Preseason trophy following their 3-1 win over Shining Stars FC during the finals at Young Romans Grounds on Sunday.
As both sides had secured huge victories during their semi-finals last Sunday, fans expected a tough final.
As early as the fifth minute of the game, Pirates’ skipper Mbuyiselo Tyolweni scored his side’s opening goal from the penalty spot, past Stars’ goalkeeper, Siyabonga Makasi.
Pirates scored their second goal courtesy of Thulani Silenced in the 56th minute during open play. Xhantilomzi Mhlahlela, Zandisile Ngalonkulu and Sibongiseni Maturi Bangani ensured that Stars did not score any goals.
Khanyiso Sidumo scored Pirates’ final goal in the 75th minute. Stars defender, Avuyile Kemele, finally found the back of the net with a long-range shot that beat goalkeeper, Chuma Williams, in the 79th minute.
Pirates scooped the first prize of R4000, a floating trophy, and gold medals, while Stars went home with R1500 and silver medals. The losing semi-finalists, Kuyasa United Brothers FC and Strikers United FC, received R900 each.
Young Madrid FC take top honours
THE Motherwell Football Association (MOFA) Welcome Home Tournament finally came to an end after Young Madrid FC defeated the experienced Camper United FC 2-0 in the finals at the Motherwell NU 2 Stadium on Sunday.
Madrid FC were ruthless when they demolished Eleven Stars 4-1 during the semi-finals held at the Motherwell NU 2 Stadium on Saturday. Meanwhile, Camper United advanced to the finals after defeating the hot favourites, Ingwe Stars FC, 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a goalless full-time score in their semi-finals at the Motherwell NU 11 Stadium on Saturday.
Madrid FC skipper, Lithemba Njana, unleashed a long-range shot that beat Camper goalkeeper, Andile Poyana, in the 15th minute. Asanda Makana responded with a close-range strike that was saved by Madrid goalkeeper, Thamsanqa Peter, on the stroke of half-time.
Madrid’s striking trio — Asanda Mnyanda, Asemahle Maqoma and Khanyiso Mafiki Ndarhana — combined effectively throughout the match. Ndarhana delivered a perfect pass to his left-footed skipper, Njana, who fired a cracker that beat Poyana in the 70th minute. Ndarhana was named man of the match as he orchestrated several promising moves in midfield for Madrid.
Madrid lifted the MOFA Welcome Home Tournament floating trophy, along with R4000 and gold medals, while Camper United received R1500 and silver medals. Ingwe Stars and Eleven Stars each received R500.
Teams let down supporters during ZAFA Premier League games
SOME teams frustrated their loyal supporters as they suffered huge defeats during the Zakhele Football Association (ZAFA) Premier League games at Eleven Angels Grounds on Saturday.
Seven United FC fell 3-0 to Golden Brothers FC in a one-sided game. In another one-sided affair, supporters of Stone Breakers FC watched their side sink 4-0 to Eleven Angels FC.
The log leaders, Black Eagles, strengthened their bid to win the ZAFA Premier League title after registering a commanding 5-0 victory over the struggling Ghetto Eleven FC.
Power Lads FC continued to disappoint their supporters after being hammered 6-2 by Young Neighbours FC.
Despite their 1-0 defeat, City All Stars FC gave Leeds United FC a hard-fought challenge during their game at Dynamos FC Grounds on Saturday. In their bid to secure a spot among the top 8 teams, United Comrades FC earned a resounding 3-1 victory over Swartkops FC at Dynamos Grounds.
The newcomers, United Spirits, were drubbed 5-0 by Young Boys FC in another one-sided match. Following their winless streak across four games since the start of the season, Island City FC were outplayed 8-1 by the ZAFA defending league champions, Royal Blues, at Dynamos Grounds on Saturday as well.
Bucks suffer another defeat
MOTHERWELL-based side, Royal Bucks FC dropped three league points to Khipu Major Chiefs Sports Club in their 4-2 defeat, ending their bid to maintain the top spot during their SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream B clash at Westbourne Stadium on Saturday.
Recently, Bucks also lost 1-0 to Real Celtics FC during their home game at Motherwell NU 11 Stadium. Despite this, Bucks had been on top of their stream’s log table for a long time.
Celtics have 29 league points from 14 games, compared to Bucks’ 23 league points from 13 games.
Red City FC played to a goalless draw with Camper United FC at Chevrolet Stadium on Saturday. Golden City Press FC registered its first three league points of the season with a 2-0 victory over the struggling EC Celtics FC at Khayamnandi Community Grounds on Saturday.
Old Grey FC continued their winning streak, outplaying hosts, Bay Tigers, 4-0 at Veeplaas Turf Stadium. Meanwhile, Madibaz Football thumped Dynamos FC 5-1 at South Campus Grounds in Summerstrand on Saturday.
Stinging Bees beat Red Lions FC 2-1 during their scintillating clash at Chevrolet Stadium on Saturday.
The Stream B log leaders, Real Celtics, had to work hard for their 2-1 triumph against their neighbours, Despatch Pioneers FC, at Khayamnandi Community Grounds on the same day.
