Nie Cele
Impeccable commentary and fine football of high pedigree was best displayed at Alexandra Stadium last weekend, thanks to the Red-Bull Kasi Cup tourney and Proffessionalize Player’s Agency.
In a mild unrelenting scotching heat weather, four teams locked horns in two semi-finals for the Coveted cup and a winner takes all R100 000 prize money in front of dozens of jovial and ecstatic fans.
In the first semi final Galacticos thumped Basil FC 3-1 to secure a place in the final while the high riding Chego came back from 1-0 deficit and scored two goals to emerge as 2-1winners against the inconsistent and lacklustre Bhekilanga FC.
Just before the final kickoff, the fans were also treated to a trilling and high tempo legends curtain raiser friendly match between Car Wash and Gentleman’s Hangout that was won by the latter 4-3 on penalties.
The two teams featured Alexandra’s finest soccer talent and former and current Alexandra professional soccer players, including Papi Mgomezulu, Sphamandla Mlaba, and Seun Mashishi.
Back to the final match. Both teams Chego and Galacticos began like a house on fire pilling up the pressure end to end against each other but their rock solid defence of both teams made sure the match ended in stalemate at halftime.
Second half was a block-bluster affair for both teams. They both showed and displayed intent to score goals but their quick-silver Left and Right back defenders were quick to recover whenever under attack. On the other hand both team’s Goalkeepers were also equal to the task making sure no ball crosses the goal line and reaches the net.
In the 69minute minute Nhlonipho Dlamini of Galacticos scored the only solitary goal that separated the two teams after receiving a defence splitting pass from his teammate following a sluggish interchange of passes. That solitary goal proved to be a match decider and a winning goal for the Westrand outfit ending the match with a slender 1-0 win.
Ecstatic Galacticos Coach, Tshepo Molapo told this publication this was a tactical match.
“We were aware they are champions and a very good side. In preparation we studied their aerial liabilities and organised our own goal structure to counteract their attacks.
Sandile Senoamadi, of Proffessionalize Players Agency and Co-organizer of the tourney was on cloud nine after the match.
He told this reporter its poetic justice the tournament was growing in leaps and bounds.
“My wish is to see the tournament spreading its wings to other provinces.”
- This tournament was running its third instalment since inception.
- Magical Galacticos FC are the first West Rand Club to win Red Bull Kasi Cup.
