From left are Mr Jones Maphalaphathwa (chairperson of NJM Foundation), the captain of Rabali Pull Together, Marksman Dzevhe, Lottie Rabali and Makhado Municipality Speaker Gumani Mukwevho Mitileni, who handed over the trophy. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.
Sport Date: 12 September 2024
Rabali Pull Together were crowned champions of the Nzhelele Top 8 tournament, sponsored by the NJM Foundation, after beating Tshituni Hot Stars 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out at Rabali Stadium on Sunday. The match had ended 1-1 after regulation time.
Pull Together's midfielders dominated the game from the start, with their strikers repeatedly launching shots from outside the box. Thompho Maliehe scored their first goal, heading in a corner kick that beat goalkeeper Zwiitwaho Netshiongolwe, giving Pull Together a 1-0 lead at half time.
In the second half, Aluwani Tseisi of Hot Stars made his mark, equalising with a powerful header from outside the box, leaving Pull Together’s keeper helpless as the ball crossed the goal line.
As champions, Rabali Pull Together took home R15,000, a trophy, gold medals, and two soccer kits. Runners-up Tshituni Hot Stars received R7,500, silver medals, and two soccer kits. The two semi-finalists, Matanda Rockers and Shanzha Continentals, each received R2,000 and a soccer kit.
