Four Stars from Mohlakeng beat Soweto team for GREST title

After a one-year absence, the Mohlakeng Patrick Ace Ntsoelengoe Stadium hosted the Greater Randfontein Easter Soccer Tournament (GREST) again this year.

Local boys Mohlakeng Four Stars won the annual soccer jamboree 5–4 via penalty shootout in the final against Villa Marsailles from Soweto. This occasion was one of those rare opportunities in the midst of a pandemic for fans to come in numbers to watch soccer.

The first half was a lull affair with both sides not committing themselves to scoring.

It was only in the 14th minute into the second half that Tebogo Masaule beat the goalie with a header. One minute later, Moeketsi ‘Funkie’ Tau scored the second goal for the home side.
With former Orlando Pirates, Witbank Aces and Polokwane City player Roger Majafa at their disposal, the Four Stars team continuously threatened the net of the visitors.

For the away side, Daniel Mokansi kept the locals busy which finally paid off as he scored twice in 20 minutes – the second goal, however, was a penalty to make the scoreboard read 2-all. This resulted in a penalty shootout and sudden death that once again created anxiety and excitement for Mohakeng fans. The home side goalkeeper, Sibusiso ‘Chuku’ Sithole was the hero and saved crucial shots to lead the hosts to win 5–4 on penalties.

“We are happy to have hosted this event despite being in the middle of Covid-19. Last year, we could not as we were on level 5 of lockdown. We, however, made a point of following the relevant protocols with fans, officials and VIPs being sanitized, and we advised them to wear masks,” said Abe Monteodi, chairperson of the GREST local organising committee.

Simon Digaan Masilo, the co-founder of GREST added, “What we experienced on the day is that people were yearning to watch more sport. We would like to thank the Rand West City Sport, Art and Culture MMC and ward councillor Dudu Mbulula for making the event possible, despite the challenges of the pandemic.”