Johannesburg Masters, or Magaraba, retained the Taki Challenge Cup by beating Rabali Pull Together 3-1 at the Rabali Stadium on Saturday.

Although they do not play competitive football regularly, Masters managed to outsmart the youthful Pull Together from the onset. The first 20 minutes of the game were characterized by dangerous tackles, but the experienced referee, Mr Mashudu Sathuma, punished all the culprits. Rudzani Ralushai of Pull Together was the first player to go into the referee’s book. He tackled Khuliso Rashamuse from behind just outside the box.

Magaraba took the lead in the 18th minute. Mashudu Sikwayi connected Khuliso Rashamuse’s square pass to beat the keeper with a ground cutter. What could have been Pull Together’s equalizer was ruled offside. Magaraba were two goals ahead when the teams adjourned for half time. The second goal was scored by Khuliso Rashamuse who forced his way through the defence of Pull Together and showed the keeper, Amon Phophi, the wrong way.

Sedzani Mukhodi of Pull Together was also warned with a card for a late tackle to Rudzani Ramudzuli.

Pull Together pulled one back via Vhutshilo Netshivhazwaulu. He beat the offside trap and blasted in a rocket from close range.

Magaraba regained their original fighting spirit after replacing Mashudu Sikwayi with Sathiel Phasha. A substitute, Takalani Majika, scored the third goal for Magaraba seven minutes before the final whistle.

Magaraba were presented with a cash prize of R10 000, two sets of soccer kit, a floating trophy and gold medals during a ceremony that was held at the stadium shortly after the final whistle.

According to the rules of the tournament, the champions must donate part of their cash prize to the Rabali Resource Centre and one soccer kit to a club of their own choice. Magaraba donated the kit to Mudunungu Try Again FC and R2 000 to the centre.

The runners-up, Rabali Pull Together, received R6 000, two sets of soccer kit and silver medals. They donated one of their soccer kits to Fundudzi United Brothers FC.

The teams that were booted out in the semi-finals, Muraida Youth Development FC and Sokoutenda FC, were each given R2 500 and a soccer kit each. Muradia lost 0-1 to Magaraba in the semi-final earlier that day, while Sokoutenda FC were beaten 0-4 by Rabali Pull Together. The four teams which lost in the quarterfinal stage, Tshivhilidulu Hungry Lions, Tshiendeulu New Castle, Siloam XI Bullets and Tshituni Hot Spurs each received R1 000 and a soccer kit.

Twenty-six teams took part in this year’s competition. Rabali Transport and Altech Company sponsored the tournament.