Makhitha Yellow Birds have every reason to celebrate. They are the champions for the Vhembe District Mayoral Challenge after beating Khumbe Poultry Farm 6-5 in the final that was staged at the Tshifulanani Stadium on Saturday.

The winner was determined through penalty shoot-out after the teams played to a full time 1-1 draw. The game was equally contested, although Yellow Birds had the upper hand in the first half. The players of Khumbe displayed their rough skills from the onset in a bid to frustrate their opponents. They did not go far with their wrongdoings as the referee, Shumani Tinyani, flashed three yellow cards in quick succession. The first player to go into the referee’s book was Reckson Mutavhatsindi who tackled Ludwick Mukwevho from behind in the 14th minute. Emmanuel Vhangani was also booked four minutes later. He obstructed Maxwell Mavhandu in the danger zone and for that reason he was lucky to escape with yellow.

Yellow Birds were the first find the net. Shaggy Tshipangana scored with a half volley after a corner kick to bring the half-time score to 1-0.

Khumbe were unstoppable in the last half. It was not by accident that they scored the equalizer in the 60th minute as they were the superiors when it came to ball possession. Reckson Mutavhatsindi broke loose and beat the Birds’ keeper, Justice Mushambo, with a ground cutter.