Birds clinch Map Games Championship
ALEXANDRA – Bluebirds Ladies are the new champions of the Map Games 2018.
After nearly a decade of chasing the Maimane Alfred Phiri Games title, Bluebirds Ladies have finally been crowned champions of the biggest annual home trophy.
Bluebirds beat fellow Sasol Women’s League team Ma Indies from Limpopo, 1–0 in the final.
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The tournament has become known as Alexandra’s own ‘World Cup’ due to its size and magnitude, attracting more than 60 teams. annually.
The game was played at the Alexandra Stadium which was packed to the rafters with lovers of the beautiful game who came to witness and enjoy the annual feast of kasi diski at its best.
The teams went into the half-time break locked at 0–0 with neither team wanting to give it away too early while sizing up their opponents.
And it was Birds who broke the deadlock in the second half via the boot of talented winger Tshwarelo ‘Shorty’ Digauta. The goal prompted Ma Indies to pull up their socks and they piled on the pressure in search of the equaliser but lady luck was not on their side. Chance after chance went begging or was saved by Birds goalkeeper Siphesihle Madala.
Relieved Birds coach Malvin Khumalo could not hide his delight after eight years of trying to win the tournament.
“Finally, the trophy stays at home after so many years in the wilderness,” he said.
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“The English [at the World Cup] said it [trophy] was coming home, but we’re saying it’s staying at home. We have finally done it.”
The Birds mentor noted that last year his charges came second and this year they took it one step further. “This was all we needed. “We came to the tournament with two things in mind, one to fundraise for the team, which we have done, and the other to build our confidence as we have not won any game in 15 matches of the [Sasol League] season.”
The Birds pocketed R30 000 for their efforts and Khumalo hopes the win will mark a turning point in the fortunes of his side as they go into the second round of the league.
“I just hope we do enough to survive and stay in the limelight for the brand new and professional women’s league next season.”
