Shivulani Tigers lost 4-2 on penalties to Mbatlo Hasta-lavista of Ward 20 during the semi-finals of the Mayor’s Cup tournament on Saturday. This comes after the two teams drew 1-1 in regular time and had to go to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Both teams were highly competitive, yet only one team could proceed to the next level. It was, as some called it, a “finals before the finals”.

The interesting part of this tournament is that the winner does not take all. There are prizes to fall back on even if a team does not get to the first position. Losers in the tournament who have reached the top eight are also set to get prizes. Shivulani Tigers stand to walk away with R10 000 for ending the tournament in third position.

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This will include 24 bronze   medals and a soccer kit accompanied by a soccer ball. Although it was not what they were looking for, it is something to be proud of regardless of the circumstances. As far as the Mayor’s Cup trophy is concerned, their chances of lifting it are firmly closed and sealed until next year. Meanwhile, Mbatlo Hasta-la-vista is said to face Gezani United of Ward 16 at Mninginisi village in the finals scheduled for Sunday, July 9.

This comes after Gezani United won 3-2 against Makosha Wonder Boys of Ward 14. The match is expected to be one of the toughest matches in the tournament since both teams will lift the trophy for the first time should they win. All of the previous tournament winners were knocked out before reaching the semifinals, an indication of how competitive the Mayor’s Cup tournament was this year.