Matsulu emerge as masters in Mataffin tourney

On the turf of the soccer field in the shadow of Mbombela Stadium, Matsulu Masters pipped Woodhouse FC thanks to a solitary first-half goal, to walk away as champions of the 2014 Mataffin Soccer Tournament.
The first half of the game saw a cut-and-thrust battle between the evenly matched teams, with both outfits pushing forward and unleashing a barrage of shots on goal. Some spectacular goalkeeping by both number ones, with some help from the woodwork, meant that the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 for the first 40 minutes.
However, moments before the half-time whistle, some scrappy defending was pounced upon by Matsulu, who headed home what would be the deciding goal of the encounter.
During the second half, a desperate Woodhouse pushed forward in search of the equaliser, but were fended off by a defiant defensive effort from the Masters. The men in black and white held the prestigious cup aloft, along with a R3 500 cash prize and brand-new uniforms courtesy of main sponsor, Matsafeni Trust Farms and Hall & Sons.
Woodhouse didn’t leave empty-handed either, receiving
R1 500 and soccer balls. Matsulu Masters captain, Nkosi Mfundo said he was proud of his team.
“The secret to our success is the fact that we respect our opponents and keep on playing as hard as we can until the last whistle,” said Mfundo.
Tom Mdluli of the Matsafeni Trust said that the close partnership with fellow sponsors, Hall & Sons, along with the provincial safety and security and health departments, had contributed to the success of the event.
The knockout cup has expanded to include 16 of the best teams in the Lowveld, battling for what has become a well-known title.
“The tournament has immensely improved over the years, evidenced by what was a thoroughly exciting 2014 final. We are already looking forward to next year’s event,” said Mdluli.
“Hall & Sons and Matsafeni Trust have a strong relationship with the community. As partners of the Halls Matsafeni Fairtrade Steering Committee, our endeavours are to partner with Mataffin residents through social and cultural events.
“The Mataffin Soccer Tournament has been an annual event that Halls and Matsafeni have been sponsoring for the past four years. We have seen the event growing each year and we will plan for an even bigger one next year,” said Onkgopotse Mashigo of Hall & Sons.
At the prize-giving ceremony, the SAPS Capt Bhekisa Shongwe reminded the crowd to become involved with stopping crime in the area.
“Everyone must notify the police of crime in their neighbourhoods. We need to hold hands to fight crime,” Shongwe said.