Powerico Winter Games continue to entertain Tembisa residents in chilly weather

The penalty shoot-out earned Leeba Lapholo 9-8 win against Zone 14 in a hard and fiercely contested Powerico Winter Games at Esagweni Ground 11, Tembisa, on Sunday, July 14.

Lapholo coach Bernett Machaka said they had planned to win the game from the first whistle of the first half of the match, but missed scoring opportunities they should have buried with ease.

“It was a tough game and I was pushing them from our 18 area to their 18 area. They only tried to punish me in the second half,” said Machaka.

He said in the first half Leeba Lapholo did not score, but his players were unfortunate to have their shots hitting the goal post.

“My wish was to extend the pole. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do. We had no luck at all even though we meant to score in the first half. My guys missed a lot of scoring chances,” said Machaka.

He made no substitutes in the first half but advised his players to show more grit and determination, but that was not to be “as they continued to miss scoring opportunities”.

“At halftime, I told them to attack the opponents and we can have more plan after we get to our target. We attack, got the ball and used two strikers to punish the goalkeeper. Unfortunately, none of my plans materialised,” said Machaka.

In the second half, Zone 14 exerted more pressure with their strong attack to overpower his team, but his boys wouldn’t let them get any goal.

“I understood our misfortune as part of what happens in a football game. But I had to defend to the end. I made a substitution; I took out Ndlela and put in Tambayi,” said Machaka.

When the final whistle blew the score was 0-0 and the game proceeded to the penalty shoot-out.

Machaka said the tournament had been a well-organised, and that there had been discipline both on the part of players and spectators.

Meanwhile, the Powerico Winter Games last eight teams fixture are scheduled for Sqongweni grounds, Tembisa, on July 21.

The semifinals will be played at the same venue on July 22.

At 9am, Amablesser will be pitted against Limpopo City; at 11am GSS v Milan; at 1pm Hlalefang v Sghodi; at 3pm Leeba Lapholo v The Rock

All the games will be played at Sqongweni grounds.