Russelstone tournament heats up in Westenburg

POLOKWANE – The Russelstone Foods top 8 tournament was held at the Westenburg Stadium on Saturday, with fans gathering to support their local teams.

The match between Russelstone Foods FC and Mabena FC was one of the day’s most anticipated matches. Mabena FC dominated early in the game and were first to strike, with Mulweli Muridile scoring in the 15th minute to give them an early lead.

Russelstone fought back with determination, and a free kick by Abel Khampepe found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1. Mabena FC coach, Manyama Dzhavelo received a yellow card for leaving the technical area and provoking the opponents.

Mabena FC capitalised on the chaos, scoring again through Nsedzeni Mulovhedzi. A missed penalty by Russelstone FC deepened their frustrations and the final blow came when Pablo Moshapo scored a third goal for Mabena FC, sealing the 3-1 victory. Moshapo’s standout performance earned him the man of the match title.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Ram Couriers and Mimed FC played to a goalless draw, with Mimed emerging victorious in a penalty shootout by 5-4. A similar story unfolded between A1 Supermarket FC and Grobler FC, who drew 1-1 before A1 clinched it with an impressive 9-8 shootout win. Park Inn Hotel FC were absent, unable to participate due to work related obligations.

Russelstone Foods FC returned to the field to face Mediclinic FC. Russelstone edged a narrow 1-0 win with a second-half goal. However, controversy followed as Mediclinic’s goalkeeper claimed he could not see properly due to poor lighting. This sparked debate but the referee allowed the match to continue, and Russelstone held on for the win.