Chronicle Editor
Welldone Ndlovu Online reporter
In a thrilling final that went right down to the wire, Elitsheni FC emerged victorious over Lupane City in the Super Cup final yesterday at Somhlolo stadium in Lupane.
After a tense 90 minutes of play, the two sides could not be separated, and the match went to penalties.
Elitsheni kept their nerve and scored all five of their penalties, while Lupane City missed two of theirs.
Elitsheni had a team of young, up-and-coming players, while Lupane City relied on more experienced and seasoned veterans.
But, despite their youth, Elitsheni’s players were not daunted by the challenge, and their talent and energy carried the day.
The day started with a lively pre-match curtain raiser between Lupane State University and Shining Stars. Lupane State University won 2-1.
Despite being the warm-up match, it was a tight and tense affair.
It was a great way to build excitement for the main event, and the atmosphere was electric as the Super Cup got underway.
Elitsheni’s playmaker, Arnold Mangena, was a joy to watch, running rings around the opposition and causing chaos in their defence.
He was a constant threat throughout the game, and with just 5 minutes remaining, he almost sealed victory.
The crowd held their breath as he picked up the ball and raced towards goal, but his shot was just inches wide of the post. With thousands of fans packed into the stands, the atmosphere was electric, but it was Elitsheni FC who silenced the home crowd.
They were relentless in their pursuit of victory, playing with an intensity that overwhelmed their opponents.
The Lupane City fans were doing all they could to support their team, but Elitsheni just would not be denied. It was a stunning display of football, with Elitsheni’s technical ability shining through. The away fans went home happy, while the home crowd was left in stunned silence.
After regulation time, the two teams were unseparated with scoreline nill all.
So, it was down to penalties to decide the winner. Elitsheni’s goalkeeper, Harmony Dube, was the hero of the shootout. He saved not one, but two penalties, while his teammates held their nerve to convert their own. It was a moment of pure elation for Harmony and Elitsheni, as they secured victory in the most dramatic of circumstances.
The prize money for the two teams was a big incentive, and Elitsheni’s victory meant they walked away with a whopping US$200 and a trophy , while City had to settle for US$160. Prior to the anticipated Super Cup final day on Saturday , there was a third-place playoff between United Forces and Hotspurs at Somhlolo stadium . It was an exciting match, with both teams looking to finish on a high. United Forces came out victorious, winning 2-1, with Arnold Mbambo scoring two crucial goals in the first half before Hotspurs’ Mthokozisi Nyathi pulled one back after the break . It was a hard-fought match, but United Forces’ determination and spirit saw them through. United Forces were rewarded with a prize of US$130, while Hotspurs received US$100. For both teams, the financial reward was a welcome bonus after a long and difficult tournament .
Elitsheni Football Club is known for its ability to produce top talent, and one of its most successful players is Hustings Wafawanaka. Wafawanaka’s stellar performance in the Lupane League , where he scored an incredible 16 goals, is a testament to the talent that Elitsheni has nurtured. With such a high scoring record, Wafawanaka has drawn the attention of elite team Dynamos where he is having trials
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter