Peace Maker and Royal Cubs try for fortune

If Mtata Peace Maker hope to make it into the Champ of champions final which takes place on August 10, they have to pray that the same fortune which was with them this past weekend, will be present this weekend.

Mtata Peace Maker had to first settle matters with Block C Junior Bucks, to secure their place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory last Saturday.

Despite suffering from fatigue, Mtata Peace Maker were able to hold their own in the semi-finals clash and secured a two-all draw against Mlambo Royal Cubs last Sunday.

According to a local organising committee member, this was one of the tournament’s most emotional and fierce encounters thus far. Tempers almost reached boiling point in the first half after some heavy takedowns in the box on Mtata Peace Maker players, were waved off by the referee.

Both sides went into the half-time interval with no assurance of securing a spot in the upcoming final. When the second stanza started, both sides came into the match adamant to win, however, Mtata Peace Maker were still enjoying ball possession and made the best of it by creating excellent scoring opportunities.

The first goal eventually came after 72 minutes in Mlambo Royal’s favour, when they were awarded a free kick outside Mtata Peace Maker’s 18-yard box. Sabelo Ndlovu’s well-struck free kick found the back of the net with ease, and despite the assistant referees’ flag going up for an offside, Mlambo Royal Cubs, were awarded the goal. This put them on the scoreboard with a 1-0 advantage, and one step closer towards winning R80 000.

This, however, only made the atmosphere fiercer, resulting in supporters throwing bottles at one of the assistant referees, and Mtata Peace Maker questioning the match official’s decision. One of the assistant referees was forced to officiate the rest of the game on the other side along with his colleague.

Less than 10 minutes after the opening goal, Mlambo Royal Cubs extended their advantage when Sanele Khanyile found the second and seemingly decisive goal of the match. Despite Mlambo Royal Cubs leading 2-0, Mtata Peace Maker were not ready to accept defeat yet. Peace Maker kept pushing forward and were rewarded for its relentless attack against their opponents with a penalty five minutes before the end whistle blew.

Royal Cubs goalkeeper, Thabo Shabangu had not moved a muscle when he was bitten by his opponent’s goalkeeper, Nkosinathi Khoza. Having found what appeared as a consolation goal, Mtata Peace Maker could have walked off the pitch with their heads lifted up. However, they continued to push forward and were rewarded at the 87-minute mark with what appeared to be another spot kick, but were, however, given a free kick right at the edge of Royal Cubs’ box.

Royal Cubs assembled their defensive wall inside the box, although it was in vain as Zakhele Thabethe’s well-struck shoot bit the wall of the defenders and the Royal Cubs’ goalkeeper.

The game ended as a two-all draw, ensuring that these two sides team up once more on Saturday August 9, before the final. The team which emerges victorious will go head to head with Kamhlushwa Real Madrid, who reserved their place in the final after trashing Driekoppies Barcelona 2-0.