Mpheni Home Defenders were crowned as the new champions of the James Rasimphi Summer Games when they beat Mashamba Soccer Academy 1-0 at Ha-Masia Ha-Vhangani on Sunday.
Academy took the game to Defenders in the first 20 minutes. Their speedy forward, Balanganani Mudau, let them down by shooting aimlessly at the goal post. Academy tried to rectify their mistake soon afterwards. Their diminutive kingpin, Thomas Mashamba, beat the offside trap but lost possession with the keeper, Carlton Munyai, at his mercy.
Rendani Ncube of Defenders was the first player to go into the referee's book. He tackled Emmanuel Rambau from behind and the referee, Mr Christopher Mugeri, was quick to produce yellow.
The Defenders striker Khumbuzo"Shavy" Muvhango realized that it was not his day when he missed a sitter towards the end of the first half. He received a neat pass from Vincent Ramunana in the 25-meter area and forced his way through the defence of Academy before unleashing a half volley. The ball hit the side netting for a goal kick.
Defenders continued to press hard in their search for much-needed goal, but things continued to work against them. Emmanuel Mphephu, the Defenders' midfielder, was booked for a late tackle on Pfunzo Mashamba in the 74th minute. The goal that separated the boys from the men came in the 86th minute. Thabo Matuba scored, following a square pass by Khumbudzo Muvhango.
Mpheni Home Defenders went home with R8 000, new soccer kit, gold medals and a floating trophy. Mashamba Academy received R3 000, new soccer kit and silver medals. The players' player of the tournament, Emmanuel Mphephu, and the coach of the tournament, Vhutshilo Phuravhathu of Mpheni Home Defenders, each received a trophy and R1 000.