The all-important SAB match between Benjies Football Club and Kgapane Young Stars that was played at the Giyani Section F Grounds on Saturday ended in a unique manner. The score was 1-1 at the end of the regulated time.

Extra time was added in order to determine the team that would represent the region in the provincial championships. The winner could not be determined during extra time and a penalty shootout was the last resort. Benjies took three penalties and managed to convert two while the Stars from Tzaneen scored with all but two of their chances.

The keeper of Benjies, Vincent Sigabi, refused to go back to the goals when the Stars were about to take their third penalty. He told the referee that it was already dark and that it was difficult for him to see clearly. His words were echoed by his captain, Tshifhiwa Nedzamba.

Realizing that the players of Benjies were not prepared to change their mind, the referee and his assistants decided to terminate the game. Benjies were summoned to appear before the league’s disciplinary committee the following day.

The committee found Benjies guilty of abandoning the game. They were ordered to pay a fine of R2 000, half of which was suspended for the rest of the season while the remainder is payable within 30 days. The committee also ruled that Benjies had lost the match.

Although they were told that it was within their rights to file an appeal against the committee’s decision if they felt that they had been treated unfairly, Benjies decided to respect the committee’s decision. Kgapane Young Stars will represent the region in the national play-off tournament that will be staged at a venue and date still to be announced.