Guava Stars win Taverns Cup tournament for ninth time
Guava Stars soccer team were crowned the champions of the Taverns Cup for the ninth time this year, after beating Peyi Tavern 3-2.
Guava Stars took home R1,750 in prize money, and Peyi received R750 as the runners up.
Five teams competed in the tournament, after paying a R500 joining fee each.
Peyi Tavern coach Fire Seyisi said the game was tough against a side which had won the tournament several times.
“We only have four months in the tournament but our players were playing in other teams. We faced a side that is strong and has experience in the tournament,” said Seyisi.
“Every day we play with them we learn something new and I am proud of my players for holding the fort against them.
“They led us by 3-0 in the first half.
“During halftime we spoke with our players and motivated them to pull up their socks because we could manage to score the goals they scored in the first half and more.
“I won’t lie though, we also wasted clear chances, especially towards the end of the game.
“The referee was fair on both sides so I have no problems
against his decision and will not blame him because we wasted our chances on our own, especially one-on-one situations
and open net chances that were missed.”
It was the first time that Peyi reached the finals of the tournament and also won a game.
They were knocked out of the tournament in the first stage last time.
Goals from Thobelani Mase and Zuko Dantini brought hope of winning or equalising but their missed chances prevented them from doing so.
Guava Stars chair Sonwabile Soji said it was a “great” game, but there were several discrepancies that needed to be fixed.
“We were supposed to go straight to the final according to the toss but it was changed along the way.
“But we are glad we managed to reach the final and win. We have only lost two finals and the rest was won by us.
“In the two that we lost, we were the runners up.
“We always get something from the tournament,” the coach said.
Guava coach, Nkosinathi ‘Dona’ Mbengo, said: “My top goal scorer, Myolisi Qolo, has 21 goals on his tally and my goalkeeper, Luvo Dliso, has 11 clean sheets.”
A stunning free kick netted by Sinovuyo Skepe opened the scoring line for Guava Stars and Siyo Phiwokuhle and Abongile Sikota then went on to extend their lead, which was enough to secure victory.