Randburg women win the cup

The Randburg Football Club women’s team is on a high, having beaten the Crusaders Football Club in a nail-biting match that went to penalties.

The two teams met for the Rand Central Development Ladies League Cup Final at Panorama Football Club on 21 October and members of the crowd cheered both teams on, enthusiastically.

The first goal was scored by Randburg within the first few minutes of the game. Crusaders fought back with a strong attack in the Randburg half. Most of the ball game was played in the air with both sides struggling to control the ball for long.

The Crusaders goal upped the competition on the pitch. Randburg, however, stayed strong and kept possession of the ball throughout the second half.

The final whistle blew with the score at 1–1. The game went into extra time with 10 minutes per half. By now the wind was howling and the threat of a massive storm loomed. The wind became the third player of the match, often interfering with high passes.

Ultimately, the cup winner would be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

In a rare move, the goalkeepers each had an opportunity to attempt a penalty kick, before Randburg took the win.

“Crusaders had played us twice in the league this year and on both occasions, barring two of our players playing tonight, we had the same team [which included 13 players under the age of 19] play to a 1–1 draw,” added Randburg coach, Theo Buttress.

Crusaders coach, Jayson Francis said, “It was a fantastic game.”

Listen here for more from him about the game:

Buttress added, “It was a game that should make both teams extremely proud. Each player worked hard and supported each other. It was women’s soccer that truly won tonight.” He said the draws between the teams show the rivalry and competitiveness of the fixture.