Cocktail FC crowned inaugural Kasi Connect soccer tournament champions
Cocktail FC secured the inaugural Kasi Connect title after overcoming Amadamara (MD) FC 4-2 at Ntokozweni grounds, with Kopano Jele scoring twice in the final.
Cocktail FC from Langaville was crowned the inaugural champion of the Kasi Connect soccer tournament after facing Amadamara (MD) FC in a 4-2 win, which took place on August 8 and 9 at the Ntokozweni grounds in Kwa-Thema.
The tournament included five teams across Kwa-Thema and Tsakani, including 50 FC, White City FC and Jacaranda FC.
The final game was between Cocktail and Amadamara (MD) FC, which kicked off on Sunday afternoon. Sifiso Mchunu from Cocktail scored the opening goal, but Mduduzi Mbonani from MD equalised, ending the first half.
In the second half, MD made mistakes, with an own goal putting Cocktail in the lead. MD players regrouped and created a strong forward presence, where Kwanele Hlongwane scored an equaliser.
Cocktail’s Kopano Jele sealed the game by scoring two goals, with the game ending 4-2, securing a win for Cocktail.
Speaking to African Reporter, Cocktail’s coach, Bafana Sithole, expressed joy at his players. He credited his players for not giving up during the game and for creating opportunities that allowed them to score.
“Since it was a two-day tournament, we told the players that they would be spending the weekend with us (the coaches), which allowed us to talk to the players about the tactics and analyse our match on the first day and rectify our mistakes.
“I think spending time with the players showed how determined they were in winning the tournament,” said Sithole.
Sithole added that some changes in the second half were among the reasons his team won. MD’s captain Mthobisi Madonsela said the team was sad about losing the tournament but was grateful for the opportunity to play in the final.
Despite the loss, Madonsela indicated that mistakes happened during the game, including the own goal, which was caused by a lack of communication between the players.
“The last game taught us a lot as players and that we should not dwell on our mistakes; from here, we should learn from them and move on,” said the captain.
He shared that, going into the next game, the players will motivate each other, communicate more, and improve their tactics.
