Phaphazela Real Hexagon are the champions of the PIB MTG and Black Leopards KO Competition. They beat Makonde Brazil 5-3 in the final at the Makonde Stadium last Sunday.
Real Hexagon deserved to win from the start and any other result would have not been a true reflection of the game. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals by Oral Sithole for Hexagon and Masala Nethathe on the stroke of full time for Brazil. The winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out. Real Hexagon converted four and missed one, while Brazil converted only two of their five chances.
Real Hexagon were presented with a cheque of R12 000 during a ceremony held at the stadium shortly after the final. They also received gold medals and a soccer kit. Makonde Brazil received R5 000, silver medals and a soccer kit. The third prize of R3 000 and a soccer kit was handed over to the captain of the third-placed side, Mulindathavha Ocean Swallows.
Mulindathavha Ocean Swallows beat Tswinga Peace Makers 4-3 in their losers' final, which was played at the same venue earlier that day. Ocean Swallows were booted out of the competition by Phaphazela Real Hexagon in the semifinal stage two weeks ago.
Tswinga Peace Makers took home R2 000 and a soccer kit. Tswinga Peace Makers lost 5-6 to Makonde Brazil in the semifinal stage of the competition two weeks ago. The teams booted out of the competition in the quarterfinal stage, Thenzheni Liverpool, Mutuwa Brazilians, Tshambobvu Junior Aces and Banyini Flying Swallows, were presented with consolation prizes of R1 000 each.
The midfielder of Phaphazela Real Hexagon, Phanuel Chauke, was the best player in the tournament and received a trophy.
A total of 134 teams affiliated to the Thulamela LFA took part in the competition.