Black Cats bag Easter Tournament title

GEORGE SOCCER NEWS - The Lawaaikamp giants Black Cats were crowned as the champions of the Easter soccer challenge festival after sinking Raul Stars with a humiliating score of 5-1 in the final on Monday 18 April at Thembalethu Stadium.

Black Cats' goals were netted by Melisizwe Mbomvana (hat trick), Xolani Mandla and Amimu Hussein, while Lethu Stritsh scored the single goal of Raul Stars.

In the semi-finals, Black Cats A defeated Black Cats B 4-1 while Eastern City went down 2-1 against Raul Stars.

Black Cats' hard-working and versatile player Melisizwe "Bara" Mbomvana was one of the shining stars of the festival.

The grand final got off to a good start with Lethu "Dodo" Stritsh of the home team Raul Stars creating a scoring opportunity in the first five minutes from the centre of the field, but Black Cats swept away the dangerous ball.

Black Cats launched a strong attack from the right side of the field with Siphamandla "Malobolobo" Hlangabeza using his pace to beat Raul Stars' left back. He delivered a marvellous pass inside the box and Mbomvana netted his first goal.

PHOTO GALLERY: Black Cats champions of the Easter soccer challenge festival

Raul Stars received a free kick outside the box, but their attempt was cleared away by Black Cats' goalkeeper Siphosethu Nyunya. Both sides were playing attacking football with Black Cats using their strength up front.

Raul Stars hit back with a strong attack looking for the equalising goal but their shot by Lindokuhle Dassie missed. Cats' Mbomvana scored the second goal, beating Raul Stars goalkeeper Luvuyo Ncamile with an impressive long-range strike just outside the box. Raul Stars were working hard trying to catch up.

The versatile Mbomvana kept the pressure on and again used his speed to break through Raul Stars' defenders to score the third goal to make it 3-0.

Shortly before half time, Xolani "Velaphi" Mandla scored Cats' fourth goal after the ball was delivered inside the box by Mbomvana. Black Cats were leading 4-0 into the break.

In the second half Raul Stars set out to try and get back in the game and managed to net their first goal after a cross played in from the right side of the field. With an almost hopeful score of 4-1, Raul Stars were looking dangerous on the ball. Lethu Stritsh delivered another powerful shot unfortunately it went wide.

Black Cats successfully fended off a strong attack from Raul Stars' wingers. Siyabonga Aseni of Raul Stars sent another powerful shot, but it was saved by Black Cats goalkeeper Siphosethu Nyunya. Raul Stars'corner kick was cleared away by Black Cats defence. Raul Stars received a penalty after a dangerous tackle from Black Cats defender, but Siyabonga Aseni failed to score as his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

In the last ten minutes of the game, Black Cats launched an attack and Amimu Hussein scored, increasing their lead to 5-1. Raul Stars were chasing the game but the game was over for them.

The entertaining Easter Festival final ended 5-1. The ABC Motsepe League team Black Cats went home with gold medals, the trophy and a cash prize. As runners-up Raul Stars received silver medals and a cash prize.

A battle for the ball between Siphamandla Hlangabeza (middle) of Black Cats and Raul Stars players Lethu Stritsh (left) and Thembelani Dumekude.