GEORGE NEWS - The Lawaaikamp-based side Simunye FC were officially crowned the new Safa Eden Regional Men's League champions for 2021/2022 season after defeating Paris United 4-1 on Sunday 22 May at the Lawaaikamp Stadium.
Simunye's four goals were scored by Khanyisa Radebe, Keathon van Rooyen, Yamkela Ntlaba and Akhona Nokepeyi while Sonwabiso Ntengento scored an own goal for Paris United.
The Lawaaikamp boys clinched their title in style after playing 30 fixtures with 24 victories, four draws and two losses. They have scored 84 goals and ended top of the log with 76 points.
The final got off to a good start with Simunye attacking and Sesethu Jack dominating and controlling the game from the centre of the field, displaying beautiful touches on the ball. Wanda Tokwe of Paris United missed a golden first opportunity to score when he sent the ball over the goal.
Khanyisani "Mashesha" Radebe scored the opening goal for Simunye and Keathon van Rooyen extended the lead after a strong attack from the right side of the field. The first half ended 2-0 with Simunye in the lead.
The second half saw Simunye attacking more in the centre of the field and Yamkela Ntlaba scored the third goal after a marvellous pass from the centre.
Simunye kept up the pressure and Akhona Nokepeyi scored the fourth goal to make it 4-0.
Paris United tried in vain to come back. Simunye left back Sonwabiso Ntengento scored an own goal for Paris United to make it 4-1 and though the Thembalethu-based team were chasing the game looking for more goals, they had no success.
Simunye history
Simunye FC flexed their muscles in the Geolfa League in the 2017/2018 season, finishing as runners-up. In their second season in the league (2018/2019) they were crowned the champions and were promoted to the Safa Eden Regional Men's League. Three seasons later (2021/2022), they became the champions of this league.
They will now represent Eden in the Safa Western Cape third division promotional playoffs to the semi-professional Western Cape ABC Motsepe Provincial League, which will take place on 2 July in the Cape Winelands region.
The top two in the playoffs will automatically qualify for the Western Cape ABC Motsepe Provincial League for the upcoming 2022/2023 season.
Regional playoffs
Other regional winners are Hanover Park (Cape Town), Simunye (Eden) and Batallions (Cape Winelands), while Diaz Leeds still have to battle Rangers for the West Coast championship, Bubs will play Ubuntu Spartans in the Central Karoo finals and Overberg Region still has a number of games to complete.
Simunye's full squad before their last game on Sunday afternoon against Paris United.
Lihle Msitshane (left) controls the ball against Onele Sikhumba of Simunye. Photos: Zama Gagu
Simunye celebrating their victory after winning the Regional Men's League.
Photos: Zama Gagu
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