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FOOTBALL NEWS - The Lawaaikamp football giants Black Cats were crowned as the champions of the Park United Tournament for the third consecutive year when they defeated Simunye FC 2-0 on Sunday afternoon, 11 August, at the Parkdene Stadium. In the first-semi-finals, Simunye defeated Peace Makers from Mossel Bay on penalties (0)4-(0)1.
Black Cats won the second semi-finals against Ramaphosa FC with 4-2. Only ten teams participated in this year's tournament: Black Cats, Simunye, Peace Makers (Mossel Bay), Ramaphosa, Park United, Generations (Cape Town), Rising The Bar (Mossel Bay), Young Pirates and Raul Stars.
The Lawaaikamp derby final got off to a good start with Simunye trying to unlock Black Cats' back line. The first chance fell to Simunye striker Siyabonga "Mpumlo" Miggels after a beautiful drive played in by Monde Phendukwana from the centre of the field, but his powerful shot was well defended. Black Cats' hard-working striker Shane-Lee Windwoegel was doing everything right trying to penetrate Simunye's centre backs Athenkosi Busakhwe and Hussen "Malume" Jumapili.
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Black Cats gained confidence, taking the game away from Simunye and employing their speed up front to expose Jumapili. A long-range shot by Black Cats middle-fielder Athabile Sonkqayi was easily saved by Simunye goalkeeper Masonwabe Fuba. Simunye made an early substitution, taking out Bongani Hanase and bringing in Gift Mangani to attack on the right side of the field.
Black Cats' Windwoegel received a million-dollar pass from Wanda Mkhosi from the centre of the field, but his powerful strike went wide. Another long-range shot, by Odwa Daba, was blocked by Fuba.
The evergreen Luayanda Laho launched another dangerous attack threatening Simunye's back line, but Fuba blocked his attempt. Daba was doing everything right on the right side of the field, sending crosses inside the penalty area. Black Cats centre back, Sange Kolose, drove a long-range shot which went over the crossbar. When the half-time whistle blew, the score was still 0-0.
The second prize winners, Simunye FC. Back from left: Hussen Jumapili, Bongani Hanase, Monde Phendukwana, Athenkosi Busakhwe, Siyabonga Miggels and Masonwabe Fuba. Front: Lonwabo Stuurman, Thando Thombela, Luthando Ntloko, Noel Bacela and Fanele Chele.
The second half started at a fast pace with both teams driving to score. The game sprang to life in the 59th minute when Black Cats striker Windwoegel received a pass from the centre of the field and fired a powerful shot straight at Fuba, who mishandled the ball, giving Laho a gap to score the first goal of the game. Wanda Mkhosi and Tsepo Mbenyana were controlling the game for Black Cats in the centre of the field and Phendukwana and Noel Bacela had a difficult time fending off their dangerous passes.
The Black Cats defender Viwe "Mr Cool" Mawindi made a brilliant save when he blocked and cleared away the ball on the line, denying Simunye an equalising goal. Luyanda tried for a second goal after a beautiful attack from Laho, but Fuba easily blocked his effort. Mivuyo "Sheshido" Ngubo surprised everyone when he scored a world-class goal from the left corner in the dying moments of the game. The exciting Lawaaikamp derby grand finale ended 2-0.
Black Cats players and supporters celebrating their victory against Simunye on Sunday afternoon. Photos: Zama Gagu
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