The only goal against Makwarela Development Stars was good enough to make United Artists the 2012 Safa Vhembe Total Challenge champions. The final was staged at the University of Venda Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The stadium was packed to capacity, despite the fact that it was raining in the area throughout the day. Both sides demonstrated a spirit of commitment from the word go, despite the slippery pitch.

Douglas Mutavhatsindi of United Artists was lucky to escape with a yellow card. He tackled Khuthadzo Musetha from behind in the 14th minute and the referee was lenient enough to let him go with a yellow.

Stars’ dribbling wizard, Vhonani Munyai, could not live up to the fans’ expectations as he was tightly marked. The team’s technical staff was forced to replace him with Thalukanyo Maime early in the last half.

United Artists did not just stand aside and look; instead, they also strengthened their striking force by sacrificing Douglas Mutavhatsindi, who gave way to Tony Mudzungwane.

The goal which separated the boys from the men came in the 76th minute. Jeffrey Mungoni, the team’s captain, hooked in the ball after a mix-up within the Stars’ penalty box. Artists started to play defensive football after the goal.

What could have been the Stars’ equalising goal in the 84th minute turned into a nightmare. Tshililo Mufamadi headed home after a free kick. The assistant referee’s flag was already up for an offside.

The players, officials and fans of Development Stars invaded the pitch in anger, baying for the match officials’ blood. They argued that what had happened was “daylight robbery,” saying the goal was legitimate. The referee stood by his decision and the game was played to the finish.

In the first semifinal of the competition, Makwarela Development Stars beat Jerome River Bank 3-1 at the Makwarela Stadium on Saturday, while United Artists beat Western Stars 4-3 in their semifinal. The winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 full-time stalemate.