Ngove Leeds United beat Gawula United 5-3 to lift the Zama Zama Soccer Challenge trophy at the Giyani Homu 14B grounds last Thursday.
United deserved to win, but their strikers seemed to have forgotten their scoring boots at home. Their dribbling wizard, Ngere Ngoveni, caused an upset in the 9th minute. He received a neat pass from Silence Mabunda and shot wide from the edge of the box with the keeper already beaten.
That was a wake-up call to Gawula United. They started to initiate promising moves from the middle of the park, thus forcing the opponents to play with their backs against the wall. Their efforts paid dividends in the 18th minute. Tsepo Khosa was on target with a header, following a square pass from Steven Ngoveni. Ronny Mavunda of Gawula United was booked for obstructing Aubrey Makwela in the 38th minute.
The second half saw United pressing hard in their search for the equalizer. They came close to scoring in the 54th minute. Silence Mabunda's volley missed the target by inches, much to the fans' disappointment. That, however, did not kill the team's fighting spirit as they finally found the equalizer in the 74th minute. They were awarded a free kick in the 25 metre area. Sipho Rikhotso blasted in a rocket from the set piece.
United were reduced to ten men two minutes later. Hlahla Khosa was given his marching orders following a second bookable offence.
The winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out as the full time score was 1-1. United converted four of their five chances, while Gawula missed three.
United were presented with a cash prize of R20 000, a floating trophy, a soccer kit and gold medals during a ceremony shortly after the final. Gawula United received R10 000, a soccer kit and silver medals. The teams that lost in the semi-finals, BGNM and Giyani All Stars each received R5 000.
The keeper of Leeds United, Vincent Hlungwani, was the best keeper of the tournament, while Rover Hlungwani of Gawula received the top goal scorer's award. The player of the tournament award went to Rito Ngoma of Gawula United.
The prizes for the ladies soccer and masters categories were also dished out during the ceremony. The champions in the ladies category, Nwamitwa Sisters FC, received a cash prize of R3 000, a floating trophy, gold medals and a soccer kit. The runners-up, Mninginisi Brave Ladies, took home R2 000, silver medals and a soccer kit. The player of the tournament award was presented to Juliet Kgofelo of Sisters, Mndavazi Mathebula of Brave Ladies received the top goal scorer's award and Tinyiko Mafanele of Sisters took home the best goalkeeper's award. Ms Monica Mathonsi of Sisters was the best coach.
KYD Masters were crowned the champions in the masters' category. They beat Giyani Masters 4-3 in the final. KYD received R3 000, a floating trophy, gold medals and soccer kit. Individual prizes went to Fumani Dlomo of KYD (top goal scorer), Hammy Mabunda of Giyani Masters (the best goalkeeper) and Edwin Chabalala of Giyani Masters (player of the tournament).
The Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi attended the event.