Joppie All Blacks are the Champions of Runnymade Cluster Top 16 Tournament.
By: Refilwe Sebola
A talented Joppie All Stars side was crowned champions of the Runnymade Cluster Tournament hosted by Jozy United at Jamela sports ground last Sunday. They beat a hapless Bellevue All Stars 3-0 on penalties after the game ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
All Stars started the game on fire and were camping in Joppie’s half in the early minutes of the game however, they failed to convert their chances. They were made to regret their missed opportunities minutes later when Joppie found the net via a beautiful goal from the boot of striker Mahlatse “Lenyora” Mangena.
The goal seemed to have motivated the All Blacks who started dominating the game afterwards. They could have increased their lead in the first half but their shots at goal went amiss. However the Seshoka Ramohale coached All Stars team came back strongly in the second half and managed to secure the equalizer from a corne-rkick to force the game to penalty kicks. Their goalkeeper Advice Nkomane was the hero of the day as he saved three penalties and also scored the winner for his team.
He was rewarded with the player and goalkeeper of the tournament awards for his outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Joppie won all their tournament games on penalties. Top goal scorer award went to Mishack Morwatshehla of Runnymade United while Teris Mkhawani of Joppie won coach of the tournament award.
Top referee Chris Makondo took home the referee of the tournament award. Joppie received R30 000, gold medals and a trophy as first prize while Bellevue All Stars received runners-up prize of R15 000 and silver medals. Both Maruleng Celtics and Runnymade United who lost 4-3 on penalties to All Stars and Joppie All Blacks respectively received R500 each as third and fourth prize.
Jozy United chairperson and tournament sponsor Nthapeleng Machethe received appreciation award from the organisers for hosting a successful tournament. His team however, was eliminated in the quarterfinal stage.
Joppie All Blacks goalkeeper Advice Mkhabani won both the best Player and best goalkeeper of the tournament awards.