It was sweet revenge for Tshikhwani Stone Breakers when they defeated Ramantsha Blackpool 2-1 in the final of the Livhuluvhe Foundation Pre-season Tournament in front of a packed crowd at the Ramantsha Grounds on Sunday afternoon.
From the outset, it was clear that Breakers were in control. Blackpool were outclassed in all departments, and the absence of their playmaker, Mashudu "Augerou" Tshiovhe, was keenly felt. Without him, Blackpool struggled to win and distribute the ball from the midfield to their forwards.
Breakers took 25 minutes to open their account. All-rounder Matha "Figo" Ratshilaya found the net after receiving a precise pass from Tshifhiwa Ralutanda.
Blackpool came close to scoring in the 30th minute when Rinae Munyai held on to the ball too long in Breakers' danger area, ultimately losing possession. The score remained 1-0 in favour of Breakers at half-time.
In the second half, Blackpool gained momentum and equalized in the 64th minute. A Breakers defender inadvertently scored an own goal, levelling the score.
Breakers regained the lead in the 86th minute. Thwalima Ramashidzha won the ball just behind the centre line and sprinted towards the right corner, where he delivered a square pass to Tabile Butha. Butha beat Blackpool keeper Tshilidzi Sithole with a ground cutter to secure a 2-1 advantage for his side.
Breakers took home R5,000, gold medals, and a trophy, while Ramantsha Blackpool received R3,000 and silver medals. Muraleni United Brothers and Benny's Care, who were beaten in the semi-finals, each collected R1,000.