Mangaya Living Commodores beat Ngwenani Young Chiefs 3-2 in the final of the PP Mabila Soccer Tournament at the Mangaya Palathonga grounds on Saturday.

Although they did not have enough time to rest after playing in the second semi-final earlier that day, Commodores approached the game aggressively. Their central defender, Rofhiwa Nemasisi, was lucky to escape with a mere caution after handling the ball intentionally in the 14th minute.

Four minutes later, Young Chiefs´ striker, Aluwani Masala, forced his way through the defence of Commodores, but missed the target by inches. That was a wake-up call to Commodores. Their opening goal came in the 25th minute. Emmanuel Tshikalange caught Chiefs’ keeper, Maanda Tshifura, off guard and blasted in a rocket from close range. The game turned hot as time went by, with Commodores dictating terms in the middle of the park. They were rewarded with another goal in the 34th minute, when Ndivhuwo Netshimbupfe scored after a clearing error by Lutendo Themeli. Young Chiefs pulled one back two minutes before the break. Takalani Netshitungulu scored with a header after a scramble within the box.

Living Commodores added another tick on the scoreboard when Vhutshilo Ramavhona beat the offside trap and scored. Young Chiefs introduced Lucky Mugivhela and Tshimangadzo Mulovhedzi for Musiiwa Munyai and Tshifhiwa Ramatsea respectively. The replacement was a clever move on the part of the Chiefs’ technical team as they managed to reduce one via Norman Mulovhedzi late in the game.

Living Commodores were presented with a floating trophy, a cash prize of R5 000 and gold medals during the prize-giving ceremony that was held at the grounds shortly after the final. Ngwenani Young Chiefs went home with a cash prize of R2 500.

Only one of the two teams which were booted out of the tournament in the semifinal stage, Togwe FC, received their prize during the ceremony. They were presented with a consolation prize of R500 and two soccer balls. The other team who lost in the semi final, Khubvi Dangerous Darkies, were refunded their affiliation fee of R1 500.

This after they were threatening to disrupt the final if they were not part of it. Dangerous Darkies were booted out of the competition by Ngwenani Young Chiefs who beat them 3-1 in the opening semifinal earlier that day. Darkies complained to the organizers of the tournament after their game, saying some of Young Chiefs’ players were not properly registered with the team.

The organizers refused to entertain the complaint, saying it was based on unfounded allegations. The fans, players and officials of Darkies invaded the pitch shortly before the final. Some of the fans were holding placards containing the words “no Darkies no final”. They remained on the pitch, demanding to take part in the final or a full refund of their affiliation fee. The organizers finally succumbed to the demands and refunded them their affiliation fee in full.

The tournament was sponsored by Benjies Discount World, Maitazwitoma Electrical and Dr GT Nethengwe.