Raul Stars claim Babize Bonke Soccer Festival title

GEORGE NEWS - Raul Stars Football Club scooped the Babize Bonke Soccer Festival title in a packed Thembalethu Stadium on Sunday afternoon, 4 September. This was only the second time that Raul Stars reached the finals, making it a double special achievement for the youthful team.

They beat Paris United 1-0 with a goal scored in the first half by Asenathi Pandle.

Raul Stars goalkeeper Siyamthanda Xalisa went home with a clean sheet after denying clear-cut chances of Paris United. Siphosethu "Mooki" Sidumo of Raul Stars played and exceptional game, creating many opportunities for his side.

The Babize Bonke (“call them”) tournament, organised by the George Football Developers, is the biggest pre-season soccer tournament with 24 teams taking part this year.

The first half saw some good action. After a corner kick that didn’t result in a goal, Raul Stars launched another attack from the centre of the field. The attack by Siphosethu Sidumo ended in a penalty after a malicious tackle inside the box.

Centre back Asenathi Pandle took the penalty kick and sent the ball into the goal to make it 1-0 for Raul Stars. Paris United pushed to equalise, but the attempts by Mandlenkosi Prusente and Zanemfundo Mali were unsuccessful.

Paris United went into the second half determined to score. The team were building their passes from the centre of the field, attacking on the left side of the field, but their left-footed player Odwa Peterson's powerful shot hit the side of the net.

The captain of Raul Stars, Lethu Stritch, made two attempts to score, driving forward with beautiful touches on the ball, but was unsuccessful. Thulani Zakade and Ayabonga Santi

of Raul Stars tried hard but were equally unsuccessful. Paris United players Odwa Peterson, Anele Pungwana and Nqaba Cumela made last-minute attempts to score, but all three failed and Raul Stars walked off the field as the new champions of the Babize Zonke tournament.

Douw Benzuidenhout of Henque Waste was one of the tournament sponsors.

The organisers of the tournament were Bonisile Hani, Heaven Henge, Xola Makinana, Isaya Sitimela, Zolani Makendlana, Onke Thwala, Thabiso Booysen, Luvuyo Ncamile, Luvuyo Mlahleni, Zakuthini Muma and Zanoxolo ZIndlu.

The teams taking part were Black Cats 1st, Black Cats 2nd, Burning Fire 1st, Burning Fire 2nd, Bangalo, Fast Eleven, Young Pirates, Young Masters, Western Tigers, Thembalethu Brothers, Vuvuzela, Eastern City, New United Brothers, Young Brothers, Heaven Stars, Silver Stars, Abahlali, Young Killers, Future Stars, Shukela, Raul Stars, Paris United, Simunye and Vista.

Raul Stars players after winning their final game.