Not so Happy Birds see Stars
ALEXANDRA - Roosevelt Young Stars are through to the knockout stages of the Map Games 2018.
Newcomers Roosevelt Young Stars U15 team will make their debut in the Maimane Alfred Phiri (Map) Games 2018.
This follows their 3–2 victory over the not so Happy Birds in the preliminary qualifying rounds of the Map Games at the Number 3 Square Grounds.
In one of the most exciting encounters between the two evenly balanced sides, Young Stars ensured their passage to the knockout stages of the Map Games through the boots of nimble-footed Kgotso ‘Messi’ Mnisi, Kgosi Modise and Karabo Rakgoale.
Read: Stars Messi and Muller
All the Young Stars goals were scored in the first half, and the Birds’ first goal which came via the boot of Nolubabalo ‘Express’ Mahono.
Young Stars were kept in the game by the sheer brilliance of their keeper, who thwarted numerous attempts by the Birds strikers. Young Stars too were not to be outdone as they fluffed numerous chances to increase their lead.
The second goal for the Birds was slotted into the back of the net by Nkanyiso ‘Esteri’ Sibiya.
Winning coach Joshua ‘Mathata’ Sebelebele lived up to his nickname after planning the demise of Birds.
“I am happy to have won and advanced to the knockout stages… I am also delighted as this will be our first ever participation in the Map Games and look forward to it,” he said.
“We hope to make our mark there as well.”
Read: SuperSport United goal minder Ronwen Williams wise words for aspiring footballers
Birds coach David Lamola was not that disappointed because it was his U13 team which had played in the match and put up a brave fight.
“I am in the process of building a formidable side and with the kind resilience the boys showed today, I want to believe I am on the right track towards achieving my goal,” Lamola said.
Other results of the Map Games were:
U13
Howza De Laz 1 Linda Stars 1
Happy Birds 3 Bluebirds 3
Seven Stars 1 African Gospel Church 1
Western Boys 1 Gunners 0
U15
Phuthaditjaba 4 Blue Aces 3
Alex Gospel Church 1 Western Boys 4
Alex Warriors 1 PSG FC 6
Makoya Stars 5 Leicester 1
Roosevelt Young Stars 3 Happy Birds 2
