Eastern City bags the Easter Tournament

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Excitement was palpable in the Thembalethu Stadium on Monday afternoon, 1 April, as two Thembalethu rivals battled it out in the 2023/24 Geolfa Easter Soccer Festival final.

The atmosphere was alive and the energy at the stadium was felt to the corners of the field as supporters rooted and cheered for their clubs.

Eastern City Football Club were crowned the champions after sinking Raul Stars FC 3-2.

Siphamandla Baliti and Luzuko Sabelesiva (brace) scored for Eastern City, while Siyabonga Aseni scored two great goals for Raul Stars. Both semi-finals had been determined by penalty shoot-outs with Eastern City defeating Paris United 0(6)-0(5) and Raul Stars knocking out Black Cats 1(4)-1(3).

The final encounter got off to a good start with Eastern City making the first attack on the goal, which was blocked by a Raul Stars defender. Luzuko Sabelesiva of Eastern City cut through the Raul Stars back line to score the first goal within the first five minutes. A long-range shot by Thabo Mtsha of Raul Stars was blocked by Eastern City goalkeeper Awonke Muma.

Thulani Zakade (right) of Eastern City controls the ball during the final.

After a series of clever passes from Raul Starts, Siyabonga Aseni beat the goalkeeper with an acrobatic bicycle kick to make it 1-1. He netted his second goal to make it 2-1 after a delightful cross from a corner kick. A solo effort from Thabo Mtsha was unsuccessful as Eastern City defenders had their work cut out for them to stay the offensive play from the Stars wingers.

Luzuko Sabelesiva's second goal levelled the score on 2-2.

City gained confidence, playing the ball on the ground and Asanele Mnyungula played in a cross from the right side of the field, finding the experienced Eastern City forward Siphamandla Baliti who put his side in the lead with a powerful header.

The second half started at a fast pace with Raul Stars adding numbers up front chasing the game. Raul Stars tried their best in the second half, but missed their clear-cut chances inside the box.

VIDEO: The winning captain - Luzuko Sabelesiva of Eastern City commenting after scoring a brace and claiming the Easter Tournament title.

No more goals were scored in the second half and Eastern City went home with a 3-2 victory, claiming the first prize of R20 000 with the trophy and gold medals. Raul Stars received the second prize of R10 000 with silver medals.

Geolfa secretary Xolani Makinana congratulated the winners on behalf of the executive committee of George Local Football Association (Geolfa). He commend the players, coaches, management and the supporters for their passion and support for the game of football.

He said they are looking forward to seeing Eastern City continue to excel in future tournaments as their success serves as an inspiration to all aspiring footballers. "We wish them continued success and more triumphs in the future - well done."

The top goal scorers in the 2023/24 Easter Tournament with their prizes/awards: Siyabonga Aseni of Raul Stars (left) and Luzuko Sabelesiva (right) of Eastern City.