Triple S FC were crowned champions Of the second edition of the Kathorus MAIL Knockout Tournament after a 1 – 0 narrow victory against rivals Villa Development FC, during the tournament finals at Somhlolo ground, on September 12.
The two sides created great opportunities, but however, played to a goalless first half.
Villa FC had to fight to stay in the game in the second half after their central defender sent off with a red card.
Triple S returned to the pitch rejuvenated, they capitalized on the opponent’s mistake to counter-attack and make way for Kenneth Ngwenya to score the only goal of the match.
Founder of Villa FC Motseki Tiger Khanye said although they lost they played well like in the previous games.
“Even today my boys played well the only mistake we made was failing to convert the chance we created,” said Khanye.
“Even the goal we considered, it is a mistake tbat was done by Tony, after passed one opponent he did not release the ball, they won it they attacked us. After that we created chances but we did not score, in football if do not score, you loss.”
He said playing with one player down was not a challenge as were able to pressure their rivals.
“Playing with nine players is not a problem it’s all on the players mentality and commitment.”
Head coach of Triple S Lehlogonolo Mokatane said he was surprised by the performance of the players through out the competition.
“I was not expecting this my target was to reach the fjnal so that I can get the kit, winning it is just a bonus. Remember last year we were knocked out in the quarter finals and this year we got an opportunity to reach the final.
He said the tournament was great but there is always room for improvement and their intention is to grow it every year.
Ngwenya said their performance was bad but he is happy to have scored the goal that led them to victory, he further said his teammates worked really hard and he is happy they won.
Triple S team captain Edwin Mofokeng said the previous games were favourable but the final was the tough.
“We had to give it our all playing against Villa is not easy, we knew that we had to win against all odds because Villa is our rival. Right now we are very happy, it has been years since we won a tournament, look how happy the guys are, it means a lot to everyone,” said Mofokeng.
The top 8 Knockout tournament kick started with quarter finals on September 10, which saw four teams being eliminated from the competition.
Quarter final results
1. K-1 United 3 – 0 Young Boys
2. Hotspurs 2 – 5 Triple S
3. Villa FC 6 – 2 FBS
4. Dikole Killers 3 – 0 Triple S (u17)
Four clubs that were include Young Boys, Hotspurs, FBS and Triple S (u17).
K-1 United was knocked out by Triple S in the semifinals while Villa punished Dikole killers.
The finals saw Triple S crush the 2021 champions Villa FC 1 – 0 after scoring the only goal in the second half of the tournament final.
Prizes
Champions of the 2022 KMKT Triple S won the first prize which includes a trophy, gold medals, kit, and a cash prize of R 2 200.
The second place team Villa FC walked home with silver medals, kit, water bottles and a cash prize of R 1 200. Followed by third position team K-1 United they won three balls and goalkeeper gloves.
All games started with a moment of silence as part of mourning the passing of Kalfa Chairperson Bassie Makhalima.
Kathorus MAIL would like to thank all the teams that participated and local soccer fans that blessed the event with their presence.
Congratulations to the 2022KMKT title holders Triple S.
