Rabali Pull Together were crowned champions of the Nzhelele Top 8 tournament, sponsored by the NJM Foundation, after beating Tshituni Hot Stars 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out at Rabali Stadium on Sunday. The match had ended 1-1 after regulation time.
Pull Together's midfielders dominated the game from the start, with their strikers repeatedly launching shots from outside the box. Thompho Maliehe scored their first goal, heading in a corner kick that beat goalkeeper Zwiitwaho Netshiongolwe, giving Pull Together a 1-0 lead at half time.
In the second half, Aluwani Tseisi of Hot Stars made his mark, equalising with a powerful header from outside the box, leaving Pull Together's keeper helpless as the ball crossed the goal line.
As champions, Rabali Pull Together took home R15,000, a trophy, gold medals, and two soccer kits. Runners-up Tshituni Hot Stars received R7,500, silver medals, and two soccer kits. The two semi-finalists, Matanda Rockers and Shanzha Continentals, each received R2,000 and a soccer kit.