Benny's Care Soccer Academy emerged as the provincial champions when they beat Matsambu High 2-0 in the final of the Metropolitan U/16 championship at the Malamulele Stadium on Saturday.

The match started at a fast pace, with both sides throwing caution to the wind with their fiery play. The Mopani lads timed their passes to perfection, but lacked power and experience. The strong defender of Benny's, Dembe Nepfumembe, proved to be a force to be reckoned with and he marshalled the defence very well.

Matsambu's left flank, Andile Baloyi, received a beautiful pass in the 24th minute. Instead of keeping the ball or trying other possible ways of scoring, Baloyi's shot went astray. Four minutes later, Musa Ngobeni of Matsambu received a golden opportunity and disappointed everyone when he shot straight at the stranded goalkeeper, Thabelo Nemutaduni.

The Mopani lads initially showed a spirit of commitment, but their original stamina soon vanished and their back-line started to leak.

Benny's capitalised on the slack defence and scored their opening goal in the 58th minute, when Mutshidzi Nemaxwi hit the net after an excellent pass from Tondani Phadziri. Soon thereafter, one of the Matsambu's kingpins, Saint Makwekwe, received his marching orders for a second booking.

The other player who was cautioned with a card was Rofhiwa Munyai of Benny's.The Vhembe-based team did not press the panic button, despite the fact that their fans were becoming impatient.Their second goal came in the 85th minute. Zwashu Malaka scored after receiving a square ball from Ronewa Baloyi.