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FOOTBALL NEWS - Oriented Birds FC from Plettenberg Bay claimed the Heritage Soccer Tournament title after sinking Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 5-1 in a tensely contested final game on Sunday afternoon, 2 October at the Lawaaikamp Stadium. 

The six goals of the game were converted by Siyabonga Sodumo, Bathandwa Siwela, Mfundo Bophela, Melisizwe Duda and Khanyisani Radebe for Oriented Birds and Emile Jansen for the students. 

The exciting Oriented Birds Football Club left wing back, Ayabulela Bhabha, deserves mention for his excellent play during the game.

The final got off to a good start with both teams playing offensive football and the first half saw plenty of action but only one goal scored. Birds supporters had a few tense minutes when the experienced Vuyani "Sixaba" Mdali and Sinethemba "Evergreen" Bhatyi launched a strong attack on the left side of the field that led to a corner kick for Birds. 

Disappointment followed when the shot at goal was well defended. The hard-working Siyabonga Sodumo of Oriented Birds netted the first goal after a marvellous strike outside the box just before the half-time whistle.

The second half, while delivering the bulk of the goals, was quite one-sided with Birds quickly getting the upper hand over NMU. Oriented Birds winger Bathandwa Siwela scored the first goal of the second half. NMU came back with an attempt by Luyanda Ngcoyoyo, which was brilliantly saved by Birds' goalkeeper Mihlali Ziwani. Soon after, Emile Jansen of NMU managed to get back with a top-notch shot.

PHOTO GALLERY: Heritage Soccer Tournament in George

Two goals for Oriented Birds followed, scored by Mfundo Bophela and Melisizwe Duda. The Plettenberg Bay team were playing smart and clever touches, enjoying the game, while NMU defenders were having a hard time trying to keep them off the goal.

Oriented Birds put the final nail in the NMU's coffin with a fifth goal by Khanyisani Radebe in the last minutes of the game.

Oriented Birds head coach Marx Banzi, a former PSL Kaizer Chiefs player, said that he arrived in Plett a few weeks ago and the mandate was clear: to bring back the glory days for Plettenberg Bay by winning more cup competitions and to win the Regional Men's League title. 

He said that this is no easy task, working with more than 30 players. "But, so far so good. The team is combining very well," he said.

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