Muraleni Young Rebellions were crowned as the new champions of the Easter Tournament, when they walloped Maebane Young Eagles 5-1 in the final match, played at Muduluni grounds on Sunday.

Eagles´ defeat was a fair result, when one takes into account the fact that the Kutama lads spent the whole match running for cover. The absence of Vukosi Maluleke in the Eagles´ defence was felt from the onset. Gibson Mahlaro, who was manning Maluleke’s position, could not make the grade as the opponents used him as their freeway.

The demon striker of Rebellions, Mutshutshu Mmmbodi, beat the opponent’s keeper, Fhumulani Thamaha, with a close ground cutter in the sixth minute. The boys from Muraleni nearly found the net again two minutes later, after Kulani Maringa dribbled past several defenders of Eagles in a row and shot wide, with keeper Thamaha already beaten.

Rebellions increased their score in the 16th minute via Percy Munyadziwa. He received a beautiful pass from Humbulani Mufamadi and beat the offside trap to show the Eagles´ keeper the wrong way. The only player who was cautioned with a card in the first half was Derick Mafela of the Kutama team. His offence was that of tackling an opponent roughly.

Rebellions dictated the terms in the middle of the park and their top goal scorer, Mutshutshu Mmbodi, complete his brace in the 38th minute. The half-time score was still 3-0 in favour of Rebellions.

In the second half, Eagles replaced Edwin Mariba with Cedrick Maluleke. Eagles put matters beyond doubt when their striker, Ernest Nedzamba, forced his way through the defence of the opponents and unleashed from close range. The last two goals of the Rebellions were scored in quick session by Chris Tshinda and Ndweleni Tshifura.

The champions, Muraleni Young Rebellions, went home with floating trophy, gold medals and R1 500. The runners-up, Maebane Young Eagles, collected R1 000 and silver medals. The two teams who were booted out in the semi-finals, Madabani Black Mambas and Muduluni Young Chiefs, received R300 each.