The semifinal match of the Khakhathi and Friends Soccer Tournament between Tshakhuma FC and Mphathele FC at the FNB Makwarela Stadium on Sunday ended in a dramatic way.

With the score 2-1 for Mphathele at half-time, the match officials requested the teams through their respective captains to pay them R100 per team to cover their traveling expenses, before the second half kicked off. The captains then told the officials that the teams were not prepared to pay, saying that they had been under the impression that the sponsor would foot the bill.

After a lengthy discussion with the captains, the match officials left the pitch and the match could not continue.

The sponsor, Mr Khakhathi Tshisikule, of Khakhathi and Friends fame, told the packed stadium that he was not going to pay the match officials, saying the arrangement was that the teams would pay the officials and that he would only pay for the prizes. The teams also left the pitch after the disappointing announcement.

Tshakhuma were the superiors in the first 20 minutes when it came to possession of the ball. They failed to utilize their scoring chances while Mphathele were still trying to acclimatize to the tempo of the game. Although he had been out of action for several months, the captain of Tshakhuma, Mmbengeni Sithakhi, was a marvel to watch.

Sithakhi was everywhere, directing the balls to the points where it mattered most. Their efforts were rewarded with a goal, which was registered in Dakalo Nemakonde’s name in the 24th minute. Things turned against Tshakhuma immediately after Mphathele introduced Avhatakali Tshivhase for Benny Munyai in the 28th minute. Tshivhase combined well with Zebe Madega at the forefront, thus making it difficult for Tshakhuma’s defence to breathe.

Zebe Madega, who scored a brace in the game, was on target in the 30th minute. He released a ground cutter from outside the box and the keeper of Tshakhuma, Lufuno Sikhwetha, watched helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net.

Mphathele went on dominating and they scored their second goal six minutes before the half-time whistle.