Raul Stars qualify for Regional League

GEORGE FOOTBALL NEWS - The youthful side from Thembalethu, Raul Stars, defeated Red Eagles (Knysna) 1-0 in their last game in the Safa Eden LFA winners playoffs on Sunday afternoon, 15 August, at Kwanokuthula Stadium in Plettenberg Bay.

The only goal was scored by Bongi Kauma in the dying moments of the game.

The LFA winners game started at a fast pace with Traven Stevens of Red Eagles launching the fist attack on the left side of the field, but his solo effort went wide of the goal. Raul Stars began their build-up from the centre of the field and their positive offensive play ended in a set piece after a dangerous tackle from a Red Eagles defender.

However, Zukhanye Mkhefe's shot went over the goal. Both teams were playing enterprising football with Red Eagles employing their physical strength to beat their opposition in the centre of the field.

A throw-in was awarded to Raul Stars on the left side of the field, but Red Eagles cleared the ball. Raul Stars were controlling the game from the centre of the field, playing the ball on the ground. Red Eagles' Traven Stevens tried his luck from the left side of the field but his kick was blocked by Raul Stars' left back, Liyema Kortman. Raul Stars received a corner on the right side of the field but again Red Eagles goalkeeper Lindokuhle Booi saved his side.

Zukhanye Mkhefe of Raul Stars delivers a powerful shot from a set piece. Photo: Zama Gagu

A powerful strike from a set piece by Raul Stars' Zukhanye Mkhefe was denied by the crossbar. Both teams were on the attack. Red Eagles' Robin-Lee Sender sent off a long-range shot, but it was saved by Raul Stars goalkeeper Luvuyo Ncamile.

Raul Stars received the last opportunity of the first half with a free kick just outside the box. It was however blocked by Red Eagles' defence and the exciting first half ended with a goalless draw.

The second half was marked by enterprising play with both sides looking sharp on the ball. Red Eagles attacked to get the ball through Raul Stars' defence, but to no avail. Red Eagles received a corner kick after the ball deflected from a Raul Stars defender and again Raul Stars managed to deal with the dangerous ball. Raul Stars' Lilitha Jantjies missed the target after another corner kick. Buhlebenkosi Mpongoshe (Red Eagles) sent off beautiful crosses from the centre of the field, but they didn't work well because of solid defence by Lethu Scritsh (Raul Stars), who blocked the ball.

Raul Stars and their management during their Safa Eden LFA playoffs campaign in Plettenberg Bay.

Raul Stars goalkeeper made another brilliant save when he blocked a shot from the centre of the field, forcing a corner kick for Red Eagles, from which they failed to score. The game sprang to life at 60 minutes when Zusakhe Bishini of Raul Stars played a delightful pass and his team continued attacking from the centre of the field.

With a million-dollar pass sent off from the centre of the field, Raul Stars managed to beat the flat-footed Red Eagles defenders and Bongi Kauma scored the only goal of the game to make it 1-0 .

Raul Stars took the game from Red Eagles, attacking with full force looking for more goals during the dying moments of the game, but the youthful side failed to score a second goal. The game ended 1-0.

Both Raul Stars and Red Eagles gained promotion to the Safa Eden Regional Men's League for the upcoming 2021/22 season after achieving the top two spots. The other LFA winners are Baruch's (Mossel Bay), Spring Roses (Oudtshoorn), Zama Zama (Riversdale) and Junior Golden Stars (Plettenberg Bay).

Red Eagles players before their game against Raul Stars on Sunday afternoon.