Tshakhuma Na Ndilani will represent the Safa Vhembe Region in the Nedbank Cup competition in Polokwane in two weeks' time. They beat United Artists 2-1 in the final at the Tshifulanani Stadium on Sunday.

The youthful Tshakhuma Na Ndilani, or TNN, showed their elder brothers no respect as they took the game to them from the first whistle. Two TNN key players, Ricardo Miriri and Rofhiwa Netshiungani, watched the whole first half from the team’s substitutes’ bench.

The Tshakhuma side still managed to display entertaining football, despite all the odds. It took them only eight minutes to take the lead. Khathutshelo Mashavhathakha won a loose ball after a heartbreaking scramble within the box and beat the keeper with a volley. The keeper of Artists, Shandukani Khwalu, watched helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net.

The goal was a wake-up call to the player of Artists. They started to play their normal carpet football soon afterwards. Their efforts did not pass without reward as they scored the equaliser in the 28th minute. Mashudu Siobo was on target with a half volley, following a clearing error.

The TNN marksman, Rolivhuwa Mukwevho, went into the referee’s book two minutes later. He tackled Thomas Makhubele from behind and the referee, Mr Jelly Chabane, was quick to produce yellow. The wheel of fortune turned in favor of TNN when they reclaimed the lead in the 37th minute. Godfrey Mudau headed home, following a corner kick that was taken by Ndamulelo Mukwevho.

TNN introduced Ricardo Miriri and Rofhiwa Netshiungani and sacrificed Oscar Ntshauba and Khathutshelo Mashavhathakha early in the last half. The keeper of TNN, Moses Nemusumani, denied Artists what everyone thought was a goal. He stretched to the limit to execute a brilliant save, following Jeffrey Mungoni’s ground cutter. TNN played defensive football in the last 15 minutes of the game.