Ngwenani Young Chiefs beat Rockers FC 6-5 at the Makwarela Stadium last Sunday. With their victory, they booked a place in the final of the prestigious Vhembe Mayoral Challenge Tournament.
The diminutive referee, Mr Christopher Mugeri, warned Aluwani Masala of Young Chiefs with a card when the game was nine minutes old. He tackled Ofhani Mudau roughly.
Rockers were the first to draw blood. Their opening goal was scored by Mashudu Siobo. Things turned against Rockers when their midfielder, Hulisani Thanyani, was given his marching orders. Thanyani tackled Evans Netshitungulu dangerously and the referee was quick to show him red.
Young Chiefs found the equaliser through Eric Mangenzhane. He scored after a throw-in by Lutendo Themeli.
Young Chiefs took the lead four minutes before the break. Tshifhiwa "One-one" Nedzamba tried his luck from the 35 meter area. The keeper of Rockers watched helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net.
The second half saw Rockers making things difficult for the opponents as they won all the aerial balls and created promising moves from behind. Their efforts did not pass without a reward. Livhuwani Ramaligela headed home, following a square pass by Mukondeleli Tshivhula.
Young Chiefs replaced their keeper, Tshimangadzo Mulovhedzi, with Lutendo Themeli ten minutes before the end of the regulation time. This came after they realised that the winner would be determined through a penalty shoot-out, as both sides were playing defensive football at that stage. Young Chiefs converted four of their five chances and Rockers scored only three.