Univen FC are still battling to come to terms with the 0-2 defeat they suffered at the hands of Masakona FC in the final of the Univen Pre-Season Winter Tournament at the Univen Stadium on Saturday.

Realising that their fitness was below par, Masakona slowed down the tempo of the game. Instead of forcing matters within the first 20 minutes of the game, Univen adopted a wait-and-see style of play. Masakona gained momentum as the game progressed.

The referee, Mr Eric Munyai, booked Ishmael Mabape of Univen for a late tackle on Vuledzani Khomola in the 29^th minute. The sharpshooter of Masakona, Gift Ramaxwaila, caught the Univen keeper, Tiego Mpoti, napping and beat him with a long-range half-volley.

Phathutshedzo Matodzi of Univen was lucky to escape with yellow after tackling Eugene Mulaudzi from behind. The score was 1-0 at half time.

Masakona started to play entertaining football after introducing Marks Munyai and Meshack Maphangule early in the second half. The keeper of Masakona, Edward Tshiluka, made his presence felt in the 54^th minute. He denied Mutali “Bodelo” Mulaudzi what everyone thought was a sure goal. Bobelo unleashed a volley from the 35-meter area. Tshiluka stretched to the limit to palm the ball away for a corner kick.

Masakona played the last 20 minutes of the game with 10 men. Gift Ramaxwaila was given his marching orders, following a heated argument with the referee.

Univen invaded the opponents’ territory soon afterwards, but they could not find their way through the defence of Masakona.

Litshani Mudau scored the second goal for Masakona four minutes before the final whistle.

Masakona received R2 000, a floating trophy and gold medals during a ceremony that was held at the stadium shortly after the final. The runners-up, Univen FC, took home R900 and silver medals, while the third prize of bronze medals was presented to Mahematshena Flying Birds. Mahematshena beat Maniini FC 1-0 in their losers’ final match.

The top goal scorer award was presented to Polly Radzilani of Univen. He scored two goals in the tournament. Another player of Univen, Vhutshilo Nthangeni, was the winner of the best player of the tournament award. The best goalkeeper  award was presented to Edward Tshiluka of Masakona. The coach of Masakona, Mr Dan Mashapha, was the winner of the best coach award. Takalani Mphaphuli of Maniini was the winner of the special award.

Four teams, Masakona FC, Maniini FC, Mahematshena Flying Birds and the hosts, Univen FC, took part in the one-day event.