Kings beat Callies to win local tournament
Callies players felt hard done by the officials but reiteraited they will bounce back in the next tournament
PRAKTISEER – A goal in each half ensured that Kings FC of Ga Motodi were crowned champions of the four-team tourney played at Juventus sport grounds last Sunday November 3.
Kings defeated Bothashoek’s Mighty Callies 2-1 in a match watched by hundreds of spectators. The Ga Motodi outfit dominated the early proceedings of the match but surprisingly did not create enough goal-scoring opportunities.
In the 25th minute Barjopa Selahle had the first real chance when he shot at goal after a quiet first 20 minutes, but his fierce 30-yard drive was tipped over the crossbar by Johannes Sewela.
Kings continued to test the Callies’ defence and were deservedly rewarded when team captain Ima Mkhantswa unleashed a stunner just outside the 18-yard area, beating Sewela in the far corner and giving his team a 1-0 lead before half-time.
The second half was a see-saw affair but again it was Kings who showed the desire to score. Midway in the second half Kumaka Morena dragged his effort well wide after he had intercepted a cross from Lucas Mongwe.
Against the run of play, Callies captain and key man Mahlatse Lekweng, was fouled inside the penalty box and the referee was left with no choice but to award a penalty which was coolly slotted by defender Bafedile Nkuna.
With most fans thinking the match was heading for penalties, Kings were handed a lifeline when the ref awarded them a controversial penalty with five minutes remaining, this came after defender Kagiso Nkadimeng looked to have handled the ball outside the penalty area. Lucas Mongwe stepped and sent the Callies keeper the wrong way, handing his team a morale boosting victory.
Callies players felt hard done by the officials, telling Steelburger/Lydenburg News they were robbed and would regroup for the next matches.
Gabriel Serage King’s head coach praised his team for winning the tourney, “We always do well in these tournaments and my boys were up to the task, we hope to win again next week.”
In the semi-final berths Kings defeated host team Juventus 2-1 while Callies beat Tubatse United 5-4 on penalties, after a stalemate draw.
