Malandela downed by sheer brilliance of two stars
ALEXANDRA – Malandela Mighty Heroes were not beaten by Rise Together but by the sheer brilliance of two stars of that team.
Two colourful stars of the Rise Together squad brilliantly orchestrated the downfall of the mighty Malandela Mighty Heroes in the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association (ANLFA) League Cup final at Number 3 Square Grounds.
The sheer brilliance of the Rise Together pair of captain Gabriel Hlungwane and Bongani ‘Shibungu’ Mabasa excelled and brought the mighty Heroes to their knees. Despite playing their usual brand of exciting football, that has earned them the title of the darling of Alex soccer fans, the Heroes could not see what hit them, this time around.
And what hit them was their failure to contain Mabasa and his captain Hlungwane, who led by example and constantly pestered and tormented the Heroes defence with their nimble feet and an agility that enabled them to turn around and tear apart a maze of defenders.
When told by Alex News about the two players who orchestrated their downfall, the Heroes coach, Vincent ‘Young Master’ Rammoni (22) described the pair as ‘a special breed of players’ and said no one can deny that. “They crafted our downfall, but I also think the sheer cruelty of football exhibited itself again today, despite my boys being on top of their game, missing chance after chance and playing their usual brand of exciting football, they could not find the back of the net enough times to win the match.
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“Games are not won by how beautiful you played but by how many goals you scored as opposed to your opponents. We never scored enough and they utilised enough of their chances to win the match – and good luck to them.”
His Rise Together counterpart, Jabulani Ntshani said it was the team’s first season in this league and they have already won the first cup on offer and were strong contenders for the league title, in which they finished in the top eight.
“This team is destined to go places, my brother! Before the start of the game, I told them to go and enjoy football but ensure they win the final, and win they did,” said a delighted Ntshani, who was hoisted high by his players and other technical staff members.
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