Raiders FC claim Fibertime cup title after a tense clash with Royal Tigers
Raiders FC seal Fibertime Cup glory after a narrow 4-3 victory over Alex Royal Tigers in the penalty shootout.
Raiders FC were crowned 2026 Fibertime Cup champions after producing a performance full of character to defeat Alex Royal Tigers in a dramatic penalty shootout at 3 Square Sports Ground on June 16.
The final had everything a local derby should — passion, shifting momentum and pure drama that kept spectators on edge until the last kick. After a 1-1 draw, Raiders held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties and lift the trophy. The showdown had been building since the opening game. Raiders ground out a semifinal win over Mhlaba FC, while Royal Tigers advanced past Akeric.
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From the first whistle, Raiders came out sharp and aggressive, pinning Tigers deep in their half. Their pressing created chance after chance, and the breakthrough came in the first half when Wandile Mthethwa powered home a header from a corner. Tigers looked unsettled before the break, restricted to the flanks and unable to trouble Raiders’ goalkeeper Gavin Mandlati.
But the second half saw a transformation. Tigers dominated midfield battles, fired repeated shots at goal and pushed Raiders back.
“We started to play on our own. I think everybody would agree that we kept them in their own half more than anything. In the second half, I can’t remember a moment when they were in front,” Tigers coach Bandile Sangcwuza reflected.
The momentum shift was clear. A thunderous shot rattled the crossbar before a handball in the box gave Tigers the chance they needed. They converted the penalty to level at 1-1. The closing stages were end-to-end, but tired legs and solid defending took the game to penalties. With nerves jangling, Raiders kept their cool to win 4-3, sparking wild celebrations among their supporters.
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It was a fitting way to claim the cup — dominant in the first half, resilient when the game turned against them.
Sangcwuza admitted his side had strayed from their plan early on. “In the first half, my boys did not adhere to our style. They were just putting it upfront, sticking to the opponent’s plan. At half-time, I told them to put the ball down, stop playing long balls, and that’s how we got our equaliser.”
Royal Tigers fought hard, but Raiders showed the composure and grit needed to be crowned champions.
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