OSCAR Stars TAKE crown as champs

Makhitha Oscar Stars were crowned champions of the Ablex Top 16 Scouting Soccer Tournament when they recently narrowly beat Muraleni United 1-0 in the final at Muduluni.

Stars took the game to the visitors from Muraleni from the first whistle, forcing the opposition’s defence to abandon their positions and pack themselves at the back of the field.

Stars threatened to score in the fourth minute. Their diminutive left-footed striker, Lebo Mphashe, went loose from the far left corner after beating two defenders in a row and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box. United’s keeper, Rendani Mathavha, managed to pull off a brilliant save.

Stars strengthened their striking force and introduced Musiwa Mutandari at the expense of Mpho Tshivule.

Realising that Stars brought out the big guns, United replaced Romeo Rakhavha with Phumudzo Tseisi.

Keeper Faith Ratombo was reduced to a mere spectator in the last 20 minutes of the first half. At that stage Stars were all over the Muraleni side. Although Stars enjoyed more ball possession in the first half, their strikers were not lucky enough to find the net.

Stars made another change to their starting 11 four minutes into the last half. They replaced Raymond Sibanda and Ambani Lambani with Brighton Tshilinga and Modiidi Mopoko. United started to play defensive football and relied on counter-attacks.

The goal that earned Stars three points came two minutes before the end of regulation time.

Lexington Mojokoro hooked the ball in, following a scramble within the box.

Makhitha Oscar Stars went home with R5 000 while the runners-up, Muraleni United collected R3 500. The two teams in third and fourth position, Muraleni United and Madombidzxha Try Again received R1 500 each.