Makhitha Oscar Stars were crowned as the champions of the Winter Tournament, after they beat Nzhelele Young All Nation in the final, played at Tshikombani Thursday 16 June.
The Nzhelele team should have scored in the 5th minute, but their kingpin, Rofhiwa Ntsieni, shot wide with only the keeper to beat. Michael Mandiwana of Nations found the net after a rebound in the 20th minute. Rulani Manganyi of Stars was cautioned by the referee for the intentional handling of the ball. The referee awarded a free kick and Stars´ keeper, Itani Selota, had to stretch to the limit to save Ndivhuwo Havhi´s volley.
The second half was characterised by wasted chances in the Nations camp. Lolo Tseisi equalised in the 47th minute. He received a square pass from Godwin Mahuwa and blasted in a ground cutter from close range.
Maringa Netshisaulu scored his team´s second goal after he finished off a cross from Percy Munonoka.
Vuledzani Mahosi of Nations was the first player to go into the referee's book, when he received a yellow card for foul play on Jimmy Ramabubuda.
The Nzhelele lads realized that it would be difficult to find the net if they continued volleying from behind and then started to cool the ball down in the middle of the park. Nations should have equalised in the 72nd minute, but their demon striker, Humbulani Nembidzane, missed the chance. Stars should have added another goal in the 80th minute, but their striker, Tshililo Mukwevho, shot wide with only keeper Collen Bulala to beat.
Maringa Netshisaulu complete his brace and third goal of his team in the dying minutes.
The champions, Oscar Stars, went home with R1 200 and a floating trophy, while Nzhelele All Nation collected R800. The two teams who lost in the first matches, Matanda Golden Arrows and Vhulaudzi Fire Boys, received R300 each.