Guava Stars pip Komani Veterans in shootout
Komani Veterans took on Guava Stars FC in a much anticipated soccer match at the Sandringham field on Sunday.
The teams played for a prizemoney of R1,200.
Their tight encounter saw the Komani Veterans bench looking worried in the first minutes of the game as Guava attacked with aggression but they managed to bounce back to slow Guavas down and gained control of the game.
The game ended with both teams failing to find the back of the net, going to extra time, which was also goalless.
In the penalty shootout Guava won 5-4 after Komani Veterans missed their first kick.
Guava Stars assistant coach Siyabulela Faku said: “This win means a lot to us as Guava Stars is a big brand.
“We understand that this is a tavern team but every Sunday we have games of this magnitude because we offer a chance to those players who cannot play for teams that are playing in different leagues.
“We played well today to beat Komani Veterans. I am proud of my team.”
Komani Veterans coach
Mandu Ncoko said: “We had a match against Guava but it was a tough game. My players gave it their all but unfortunately we lost in penalties.
“The game went well and we thank Guava for playing us in a good game.”
The loss was unexpected as Komani were dominating the game.
“We were unfortunate to go to extra time and penalties, because we should have won it during the regulation time but we could not convert our chance,” Ncoko said.
“The small mistakes cost us. We will continue with these matches as we have a match in Bloemfontein next month.”
Nyaniso “Dungi” Fujile, organiser of Komani Veterans, said they had set up a top four tournament against Walter Sisulu University, Guava Stars and the department of health.
Komani Veterans’ other two games were friendlies.
“Our aim is to prepare for Bloemfontein.We want to play tough games that will prepare us which is why we chose to play with people who are younger than us,” Fujile said.
“This is a tournament that we have every weekend when we are not playing league.”