Kings triumph in tense penalty shootout
THE Gwede Mantashe soccer Easter tournament had to be settled on penalties after it ended 0-0 during regulation time between Holy Kings and MK Academy in Alovale in Komani on Monday.
But Kings eventually walked away with the R50 000 prize money after winning 4-2 on penalties at the Dumpy Adams Sports Complex.
The tournament, organised by the Gwede Mantashe Foundation, lived up to expectations as 16 teams battled it out for the R50 000 during the Easter Weekend.
This was the first time that it was played, with organisers saying they would make it an annual spectacle.
A total of 16 teams – Holy Kings, MK Academy, Amavarara FC, Xalanga Celtic, Peace Brothers, Fast 11, Young Tigers, Seven Stars, Mighty Blues, Mzomhle FC, Difra Stars, Mighty Cosmos, Masez FC, Young Stars and K K Juventu
But at the end of the day, Kings won their maiden tournament on penalties.
On the way to the final, Academy beat Valgas 2-0 while Kings had the better of Difra Stars, thumping them 3-1.
Kings president Thando Marubelela said it came at the right time for the team as they had been experiencing a dry spell.
The last time Kings won any silverware was in 2010. when they won the Mayoral Cup in Cofimvaba.
“I am personally grateful to the players for their efforts because this will give us financial relief,” said Marubela, who at times had to use his own money for the team’s needs.
But with the R50 000 injection, that is now a thing of the past.
“We will use the money to pay for travelling costs and other team needs,” he said.
Academy were also rewarded with a R25 000 cheque.
The ANC secretary-general and Chris Hani district municipality mayor Koliswa Vimbayo were present to hand out the prizes on Monday, with some players being rewarded for stellar individual performances.
In total, R80 000 was given away during the tournament, Gwede Mantashe Foundation chief operating officer Caswell Mokoena said.
Mokoena said from next year, the tournament would be an annual affair, with other sporting codes like rugby, cricket and netball included.
“Everyone will be accommodated next year. The purpose of the tournament is to give exposure to the teams and identify talent in the Eastern Cape,” he said.
Individual winners were awarded R3 000 for their efforts. These were Goalkeeper of the Tournament, awarded to Kings shot stopper Anesihle Qhimngqoshe; Player of the Tournament, Lwando Kota of Academy; and the Top Goalscorer of the Tournament, shared by Luntu Ngxulelo of Academy and the Kings’ Qhamani Polopolo.