Rabali FC, alias Magaraba, were crowned the 2014 Taki’s Soccer Challenge champions at the packed Rabali Stadium on Saturday.

Magaraba beat Nzhelele United Stars 4-1 in the semifinal, before crushing Seven United Brothers 3-1 in the final.

Their game against United Brothers was a see-saw battle. Both sides managed to create some scoring chances in the opening minutes, but it was Magaraba who managed to convert one before the teams adjourned for the half-time break. Striker Takalani Maganya beat the keeper with a volley in the 27th minute after duel moves with Richard Lishivha just outside the box. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced across the goal line.

Mashudu Sikhwari of Magaraba was warned with a card for retaliation towards the end of the first half.

United Brothers came back strongly in the last half, taking advantage of the fact that most Magaraba players were not fit for the game. Realizing that Seven United Brothers were all over them, Magaraba abandoned their positions and packed themselves at the back, thereby relying on counter-attacks. They increased the margin in the 68th minute. Richard Lishivha scored with a bicycle kick, following a square pass from Peter Sithagu.

 Magaraba replaced Lutendo Mmboyi with Rudzani Ramudzuli two minutes later.

United Brothers used all their substitution chances as part of their many ways to unsettle the opponents’ defence. They reduced one through Brian Mavhungu. He beat the Magaraba keeper,  Amon Phophi, with a close-range volley. United Brothers lost hope after Thomas Muthathedzwa scored an own goal nine minutes before the final whistle.