SHARPEVILLE.- The community of Sharpeville gave Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi a heroic welcome.

This was after these two homeboys helped Orlando Pirates to clinch another trophy this season after beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the Carling Black Cup in Polokwane on Saturday night. The two youngsters never disappoint as they continued with their impressive performance, which saw them being selected for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This nail-biting final was decided in extra time after a goalless draw in 90 minutes. It was the Sharpeville boy, Mofokeng, who took matters into his own hands to score a winner for Pirates FC in the second half of the extra time. Mofokeng was in the right place at the right time when he curled the ball away from the goalkeeper’s direction, took a deflection, and ended up at the back of the net.

When Moremi came onto the field, the game took another direction with Pirates’ fast and furious pace going forward, putting Gallants’ defenders in all sorts of trouble. It was fast-flowing football with Pirates looking like the better team. It was a game of missed opportunities with both sides struggling in front of the goalpost until the game went into extra time.

The Sharpeville community took to the streets after the game, chanting Mofokeng and Moremi’s names.

The two received a warm and emotional welcome at their homes on Sunday, joined by friends, family, and former teammates who had played alongside them on Sharpeville’s dusty soccer grounds. Adding a Vaal twist to the final, Marumo Gallants fielded Mpho ‘Future’ Chabatsane and Kamohelo Sithole, while Tebogo Motloung started on the bench.

The trio, all hailing from Sebokeng, made the match a true showcase of local talent from both sides.