Mayoral Cup finals an enormous sporting feast

KAMHLUSHWA – The local stadium was a hive of activity on Saturday as the Nkomazi Mayoral Sports Development Cup came to an epic end.

Besides the much-anticipated match between the Block A Naughty Boys and Shando Real Aces, locals participated in various sporting codes such as basketball, boxing, netball, volleyball, rugby and soccer. There was even a Taekwondo exhibition by an academy in KaMhlushwa.

Pavilions packed with zealous fans were captivated by the skill and talent shown on the field by members of their favourite teams.

The u/13s opened the soccer field with Block C Young Aces facing Driekoppies Mbokodo Wanderers. After a one-goal draw, Driekoppies won the match with four penalty kicks to three.

In the u/15 category, Mawewe Spurs beat Kamhlushwa Screamers XI by one goal. Nkomazi Ladies and Schoemansdal Superstrikers played to a 1-1 draw, with the latter winning with four penalty kicks to three.

Matsamo Masters and Legends beat SDN Masters and Legends with 3-1. In the u/19 open category, Kamhlushwa City Stars lost 3-1 on penalties against Masibekela Brazil after playing to a one-goal draw.

Teams from Ligwalagwala Fm and Nkomazi Municipality also participated, and the match ended without any goals being scored.

Wheelchair basketball teams faced off, with Nkomazi East beating Nkomazi West 2-0 and the u/15 Lakers and u/19 Lakers winning their various basketball divisions.

Volleyball teams u/19 Mangweni Tigers beat Hoyi Mines with three goals to zero and the Inkwazi rugby team won their match against the Blackcats with 19 points to 0.

In the netball division, Phakamani won against Easter Sunny with 11-4, VIP were the winners with 21 to 7 against Superstars, the Young Stars won with 20 goals to Sidlamafa’s 18, and Maqhekeza trampled A4 Stars with 32 goals to 18.

The final match of the day was the much-anticipated clash between the experienced and feared Block A Naughty Boys and the Shando Real Aces, who were facing their first Mayoral Cup Finals.

The game had fans on the edge of their seats and ended in a one-goal draw. Block A Naughty Boys managed to win with three penalty kicks to two.

Both teams’ coaches were proud of the quality of football that was displayed. Deliver Ngomane, coach of the Shando Real Aces stated, “I feel very proud that we reached the Mayoral Cup finals. To settle a victory on penalties against a team that is feared is an achievement and shows that our hard work has paid off.”

It is the third time the Block A Naughty Boys lifted the Mayoral Cup, with coach Walter Sambo remarking that the team is used to winning and that it motivates the players to do their best.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony, where the winning teams received trophies and prizes.

Mayor Thulisile Khoza thanked everyone for their support in making the tournament a success, and urged the various stakeholders to work together to ensure its future. She commended the talent of Nkomazi players, stated that the tournament is a great way for young talent to be discovered and that the municipality will continue to target the youth to ensure that Nkomazi’s talent gets the exposure they need.