SOCCER NEWS - Simunye FC was crowned the champions of the 10th annual Bongani Dyani Soccer Festival after defeating the Bitou Young Pirates in an exciting final at the Smutsville Stadium in Sedgefield on Sunday 5 October.

Sindile Magubane and Onika Zenzile contributed the two goals for the Lawaaikamp side.

Before the final, Bitou Young Pirates had beaten FC United from Knysna 3(4)-3(3) on penalty shoot-outs to book their place in the final, while Simunye FC knocked out Paris United from George 3-0.

Marked by both teams playing the mind game and playing the ball close to the ground, the first half passed with no goals scored.

Simunye got the upper hand in the second half, however, taking the game from Bitou Young Pirates.

Magubane opened the score and Zenzile silencing the packed Smutsville Stadium with the second goal.

Simunye went home with a first prize of R11 000, the trophy, some medals and some new soccer kit.

The festival's founder, Bongani Dyani, was happy about its success and said he was honoured to stage one of the larger tourneys in the Garden Route.

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