Iyarunga XI Smarties were by far too strong when they brutally walloped Damani Powerlines 3-0 in the final for the MTG and PIB KO Competition at the Makonde Stadium Thursday 16 June.

Smarties used their height advantage to overcome their shorter opponents. Although Powerlines were dangerous when in possession, it was difficult for them to win the balls from their tall opponents. The team from Maungani took the lead in the 18th minute. Mulimisi Lishivha beat the offside trap and beat the keeper with a volley. Powerlines did not lose focus, despite conceding the goal. They continued to fight like a team, but Lady Luck was not on their side.

The second half saw Smarties replace Ndivhuyo Munyai with Mashudu Mudau, while Powerlines introduced Rialivhuwa Daswa, Rialivhuwa Phalanndwa and Tsiruwani Dzialwa for Rabelani Khothisa, Ndivhuwo Sieda and Ronewa Nekhubvi respectively.

The referee, Mr Calvin Nemavhola, flashed the first yellow card in the 57th minute. Emmanuel Maselesele of XI Smarties tackled Thabelo Tshiambo from behind and he was lucky to escape with yellow.

Smarties scored their second goal through Tshimausu Nekhavhambe. He blasted in a rocket, following a pass from Dakalo Tshikororo in the 64th minute. Tshimausu Nekhavhambe was on target again in the 78th minute. He unleashed from the far right corner and the keeper of Powerlines misjudged the flight of the ball.

Smarties were presented with a floating trophy, R10 000, gold medals and a soccer kit during the prize-giving ceremony that was held at the stadium shortly after the game. Damani Powerlines received R3 000, silver medals and a soccer kit.

The third-placed team, Tshambobvu Junior Aces, took home R2 000 and the fourth-placed Mbaleni Happy Boys R1 000. Happy Boys lost 5-3 in the losers’ final match that was played at the same venue earlier that day,

The top goal scorers in the tournament, Ntshudufhadzeni Mbedzi of Happy Boys and Thembuluwo Manyuga of Tshambobvu Junior Aces, were each presented with trophies. They scored three goals apiece.

Several individual players received trophies for their good performances during the tournament.

The manager of MTG Funeral Services, Mr Shudufhadza Magwabeni, revealed that his company will continue to sponsor the league in the future. One-hundred-and-thirty-eight teams took part in the competition this year.