Selati Cup semi final clash

Last year’s semi-finalists Langeloop Blackburn, and Selati Cup newcomers, Mdladla Peace Maker will headline the TSB Selati Cup final on June 8.

This came to light when both outfits comprehensively defeated their opponents on Sunday June 1 to advance to the finals.

Langeloop Blackburn United went into the clash against two times’ champions, Schoemansdal Junior Aces as the underdogs.

However, two goals in the first half proved Blackburn were well prepared, and will not end their title run as they had done the previous year.

Going into half-time as the stronger side leading 1-0, Blackburn were 45 minutes away from securing a place in the final.

At the start of the second stanza, Blackburn picked up where they had left off, extending their lead with another goal, four minutes after the match had resumed.

Blackburn United’s relentless offense ensured them another goal 14 minutes after their second one, bringing the match to a seemingly decisive 3-0. Junior Aces players recomposed themselves and managed to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

However, Blackburn United were not giving their opponents any opportunity to make a comeback, and scored a forth goal 10 minutes after Junior Aces’ goal.

Junior Aces were awarded a penalty seven minutes after Blackburn’s goal – Msume Sapalu found the back of the net to keep Junior Aces’ hopes of making it to the finals alive, and brought the scoreline to 4-2. Nhlakanipho Nkosi of Blackburn United extended their lead to 5-2 five minutes after the spot kick.

Three minutes later it was Sandile Mgume of Junior Aces who was causing problems for the opposition, managing to find the team’s third goal. Blackburn United found their last goal five minutes before the whistle blew on a 6-3 score-line victory.

Blackburn United head coach, Richard Masilela, praised his players’ efforts to make it this far in the tournament, and warned Mdladla Peace Maker to be cautious in the final encounter.

“I am happy with how the boys have performed thus far. After making it into the semi-finals last year, we learnt from the mistakes we made. Not to say that we are content with coming this far and not winning the cup. We want it, and if Mdladla Peace Maker are not careful, we will take it from right under their noses. We respect them at the level in which they play their football, but we want this cup.”

Meanwhile, Selati cup newcomers, Mdladla Peace Maker, trashed last year’s semi-finalist Driekoppies Barcelona 3-1 to secure their place in the finals.