Xihoko United FC supporters and some players celebrate winning the tournament.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Xihoko United FC were crowned champions of the Macece Top 16 Soccer Tournament last Sunday at Rikhotso Dynamic ground.
They conquered a hapless Winnerspark FC 4-2 on penalties after the game ended in a 0-0 stalemate in normal time. United, who were relying on the experience of hard tackling and no nonsense former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tshifiwa Mmbooi, came to the game determined to thwart the well organized Winnerspark from the first whistle.
They defended very well especially in the first half and looked menacing on counter attack. However, the skilled Winnerspark who were playing enterprising football under the auspices of their highly qualified coach Abel Makhubele managed to bypass it on numerous occasions but were unlucky not to have scored.
The game ended in a goalless draw and was decided on penalties. Winnerspark missed two of their penalty kicks and lost by 4-2. United received R30 000 first prize and a brand new soccer kit while Winnerspark received R15000 and a new kit as runners-up. The home sides Rikhotso Dynamic and Rikhotso United both took home R5000 each for third and fourth spots.
Winnerspark star midfielder Kgothatso Rakgoale was given the best player of the tournament award while their brilliant goalkeeper Sthembiso Miya received best goalkeeper award. Top goal scorer award went to Deegly “Deco” Mongwe of Black poison who scored five goals.
Xihoko United were crowned Champions of Macece Top 16 Tournament.
Kgothatso Rakgoale was voted best player of the tournament
Winnerspark Goalkeeper Sthembiso Miya was voted best goalkeeper of the tournament.