Underdog Black Poison eyes U19 glory in Maimane Alfred Phiri Games final
A dramatic run built on shootout grit and promoted youth players has taken the Alex side to the brink of silverware.
Alex Black Poison FC U19 have already given their supporters a campaign to remember.
Now, however, they must decide whether it ends with a trophy when they face United Stars FC in the final of the Maimane Alfred Phiri (MAP) Games U19 competition.
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Coach Phathutshedzo Maseko calls the run truly special. Over three matches, from the Last 16 to the semi-finals, his side has swung between nerve-shredding tension and moments of brilliance that he believes it will stay in the team’s history books.
The journey began with a 1–1 stalemate against Alex Royal Tigers. Black Poison then won the penalty shootout 4–1 to progress. Few would have predicted the challenge would be repeated in the semi-final, where a 1–1 draw with Western Boys FC was settled by a 5–4 shootout.
Between those two tense encounters came the statement win. Black Poison defeated Phuthadichaba FC 5–0 on their home ground, backed by parents, supporters and the wider community. Maseko says that support gave the players a lift.
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Maseko said the real story is the squad’s inexperience. He pulled players up from the U17 and U15 divisions to fill his U19 team. “These young players were given the opportunity to compete in the U19 division against older, stronger and more experienced opponents,” he said. “They accepted the challenge, and they have continued to prove themselves on the field.”
He admits the opening match against the Tigers could easily have ended their hopes. “After that victory, we started believing that something special could happen,” he said.
Whether through a convincing win or a penalty shootout, Maseko said, his players have found a way to come out on top. That, he argues, is what makes the campaign remarkable: they arrived as the underdogs, took on experienced sides and kept winning.
Now, one more test remains. Against United Stars, Black Poison will look to ride their underdog spirit all the way to the title, and Maseko is confident his charges will give it everything.
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