VUWANI – Nngwekhulu Real Rovers were crowed the 2004 MMK KO Competition Champions last Saturday. They beat Tshianelo Anchors Football Club 1-0 in a thrilling game that was played at the Vuwani Mandani Football Club ground.

Real Rovers deserved the victory from the onset as they were dictating terms in all departments. The players who continuously gave the Anchors' defence a tough time were Robert Mugeri and Musiwalo Mutavhatsindi. Vhutshilo Mugwena, the Rovers' left back, was booked for an illegal tackle on Thomas Mufamadi.

The Anchors' keeper, Steven Makhavhu, denied Rovers several sure goals through his acrobatic goalkeeping. In the first instance, Makhavhu stretched to the limit to fist Robert Mugeri's volley for a corner kick. At that stage, the game was 28 minutes old.

No goal was seen during the first half. Rovers were the first to effect a change to their original squad. They introduced Mashudu Madivhane for Tshifhiwa Mutavhatsindi earlier in the second half. The Tshakhuma-based Anchors responded by replacing Thomas Mufamadi with Ndikundisani Milubi in the 60th minute.

The goal that made Real Rovers the new MMK KO competition champions came in the 69th minute. Norman Tshishonga tried his luck from the 35m area. The Anchors keeper misjudged the flight of the ball and suffered the pain of watching it going beyond his reach.

Anchors threatened to retaliate after bringing their top striker, Mmbengeni Sithakhi, back to the middle of the park. Sithakhi distributed dangerous passes to his frontrunners who shot astray on numerous occasions. Rovers were given a floating trophy and gold medals after the game.