Haggai Combined School were crowned the Vhembe Kay Motsepe U/19 school tournament champions when they beat Benny's Care Academy 6-7 in the final match played at Louis Trichardt on Saturday (5 August).
The winners were determined via penalty shoot-out after the two teams had played to a goalless draw.
Haggai was the superior side from the onset as far as possession of the ball was concerned. This resulted in lots of pressure on the defence of Benny's Care for the better part of the match. The first half was characterised by dangerous play from Benny's players. To calm the situation, the referee flashed several yellow cards in quick succession. Promise Rikhotso and Amukelani Chauke of Haggai were booked for applying dirty tricks and dangerous play.
In the second half, the local lads put more pressure on their opponents. Hulisani Khangala of Benny's Care could not make the grade, as the opponents used him as their freeway.
Haggai's strikers wasted many opportunities. Benny's Care's central back, Rotondwa Magadani, and Lerato Mashiane were reprimanded with cards for rough tackling and wasting time respectively.
Haggai introduced Lazarus Maloka for Thabo Rahlaha, but this did not have any influence on the outcome of the match.