Happy Hour wins Women’s Month Top 16 Final on penalties against Zibondiwe FC

Tsakani – The Women’s Month Top 16 Tournament, which kicked off on August 9, concluded with the semi-finals and final games on August 17.

The first semi-final clash between Happy Hour and Zibondiwe FC started on a tense note, with both teams fighting hard to score. Coaches on both sides urged their players to remain tactical while pushing for goals.

Happy Hour coach, Thabiso Mthembu, said although the first half went smoothly, his players initially struggled to adjust emotionally.

“We did not manage to score any goals in the first half, but the rules of the game earned us one goal. If a team arrives 15 minutes late, the other team automatically gets awarded a goal,” he explained.

However, Zibondiwe soon equalised, leaving the teams level at 1-1 going into the second half.

“In the second half, I substituted my wing players, who were tired and not playing according to the mandate given. The winger who came on brought energy and determination, helping us maintain composure,” said Mthembu.

“We dominated the game in this half and kept more of the ball. The match ended 2-1, but after disputes, it went to penalties. We won 5-4. This was exactly the result I wanted.”

Zibondiwe FC coach, Ofentse Boshego, expressed disappointment with the outcome.

“I am extremely proud of the result, but honestly, my team’s performance was not as polished as I had expected. The game was scrappy. We started well with a strong goal, but then we lost focus and allowed the opposition back into the game due to lapses in concentration,” he said.

Boshego explained that high emotions played a role, particularly because some players were up against their former teammates.

“Instead of dictating the pace, we got drawn into playing at a high tempo. Emotional intelligence is something we still need to build as a team. We must learn from more experienced players how to stay calm under pressure and not let emotions dictate decision-making.”

Despite the loss, Boshego highlighted positives from the match.

“In the second half, we brought on one of our top young talents and he made a real difference. He gave us balance, composure and forward momentum. He is technically sound, can travel with the ball, isolate defenders, and brought calm and creativity when we needed it most,” he said.

Boshego rated his team’s performance a six out of ten, adding:

“We are using this tournament to prepare for bigger challenges ahead, such as the upcoming festive tournament. Each match helps us tighten our game.”

August 9 results:
* Vur Vai 1–4 Uhuru
* TEC 4–2 White City
* Elco Santos 2–0 Whispers
* Amazababa 4–2 Amabutho