Indwe Masters win Leaders Tournament

GEORGE FOOTBALL NEWS - For the fourth consecutive year, no local legends team could manage to win the Leaders Legends tournament. The Cape Town legends team Indwe Masters were crowned as the new champions of the Leaders Legends tournament after sinking Plettenberg Bay Masters 1-0 in the grand finale on Monday afternoon, 23 September at the Lawaaikamp Stadium.

Indwe's goal was scored by Vuyisile "Scara" Dyani. In the first semi-final, Indwe defeated the two-time champions Kasi Legends from Knysna with 2-0. The second semi-final saw Plettenberg Bay Masters beat Mossel Bay Masters 3-2, leaving Plettenberg Bay and Indwe to fight it out for the trophy.

Participating teams were Rangers Masters (PE), Callies Masters (PE), West Park Rangers Masters (PE), George Celtics Masters (George), Dallians Masters (Johannesburg), Mercedes Benz Masters (East London), Young Pirates (Uitenhage), Ganja Masters (George), Wolves Masters (PE), Kasi Masters (Knysna), Mossel Bay Masters, Ratanang Masters (George), Indwe Masters (CT), Plettenberg Bay Masters, VW Masters (Uitenhage) and the hosts, George.

Indwe started the game on the left side of the field trying to unlock Plettenberg Bay's side defenders, but their attempt was well saved by Plett goalkeeper Mthetheleli Mandeka. The first fifteen minutes saw both teams playing entertaining football.

The lanky striker of Indwe Masters, Mini Zamikhaya, got his first chance after a beautiful cross played in by Endie "Alaska" Mokete from the centre of the field, but his powerful shot was denied by Mandeka.

Plett launched a strong attack on the left side of the field but their cross went wide. Indwe received the first corner of the game but failed to open the score board. Indwe player Vuyisile "Scara" Dyani was trying everything to control the game in the centre of the field, launching dangerous passes. Both teams were trying to play the ball on the ground.

Cape Town's Indwe Masters were crowned as the winners of the Leaders tournament.

Mokete"Skara" Endie of Indwe tried his luck from the centre of the field but his shot went over the crossbar, missing the target. Plett players Bandile "Barra" Ntukantu and Zuyisile Hoyi both played very well, trying to break through Indwe's back line.

Zamikhaya "Ndlela" Mini of Indwe received a brilliant pass from the centre of the field and drove a dangerous strike but his shot went over the cross bar. Both sides failed to break the net during the first half and it ended 0-0.

The second half started fast, with both teams playing the ball on the ground. Indwe adapted an attacking approach, using their strength.

Plett received a free kick just outside the box. Bandile "Barra" Ntukantu took the shot and launched a long-range kick but it was blocked by Indwe goalkeeper Mncedisi Makeleni, forcing a corner kick for Plett, but they failed to score.

Plett gained confidence launching a strong attack on the left side with Bandile Ntukantu employing his pace and skill to beat Indwe's back line. His solo effort was unsuccessful when Cingile "Mooki" Dlala's long-range shot went over the cross bar. Indwe's Vuyisile Dyani surprised everyone when he drove a powerful strike just outside the eighteen area beating Plett's goalkeeper with a world-class goal to make it 1-0.

Mzukulwana Dabula, Plett's centre back, was doing everything right creating chances for his side. Plett tried to fight back but Indwe thwarted them with solid defence. The game ended 1-0 with Indwe winning the first prize of cash, the trophy and gold medals. Plettenberg Bay took home the second prize of cash.

Plettenberg Bay Masters defender Mzukulwana Dabula (in black & blue) clearing the ball against Mossel Bay's Tawanda Skombingo (in yellow).