Mabela United win Top 4 tournament

Mabela United emerged victorious in a Top 4 tournament at the Phomolong Sports Centre on May 27.

Team coach of Mabela United Nick Rambis Williams said the tournament is staged every Sunday to help residents to cut down on alcohol consumption.

“We don’t train as we only get together on Sundays and during the week many of the guys are working.

“This week’s tournament was challenging. In our first game, we were playing against Kgabas FC and we beat them on penalties,” said Williams.

He said in the first half of their first game they scored two goals and after the half-time break the opponents caught up and also scored two goals.

When the final whistle blew the score was 2-2 and the game proceeded to the penalty shoot-out.

“It was sudden death and we beat them by securing five goals for our side.”

The final score of the first game was 5-4 in favor of Mabela United.

In the second game, Mabela United was tipped against Mahlangu FC.

“In the first half, Shimi scored our first leading goal. The second goal was scored by Okonkwo from Ghana.

“This game was not difficult because my boys were playing good football, we didn’t have any problems in the first half.

“We were leading 2-0 at half-time,” said Williams.

Coming back in the second half of the final game Mahlangu FC conceded another goal, keeping Mabela United in the lead with 3-0.

“Okonkwo scored our third goal but the opponents scored their first goal putting the score at 3-1.

“Solly came back with another goal for Mabela United and we lead 4-1,” Williams explained.

He said there were injuries during this game and he had to take out Sello and put in Tshepiso.

Ntlaka made way for Shimi who also got injured and couldn’t play any further.

At the end of the game, the score was score 4-1 in favor of Mabela United.

Asked why they played the second game at night Williams said it is a problem they face every week because the tournament starts late.

He said they have taken the matter up with the organising committee and they hope the tournament will improve.

Williams added all teams that take part in the tournament do not have soccer gear and they are asking potential sponsors to assist with soccer gear.

He said that will encourage more people to take an interest in the tournament.

“We also ask the community to attend our tournament and show support for our boys,” said Williams.