LIMPOPO – They faced Masakona Young Tigers in the final at the Mashamba grounds, and beat them 2-0.
Academy’s killer striker, Vincent Ramunana, was a thorn in the flesh of the Tigers’ defence, while Tigers keeper Tapelo Motau denied Academy numerous goal scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes.
In the first instance, Academy’s Khumbudzo Muvhango was in disbelief after Motau stretched to the limit to execute a brilliant save.
Lufuno Mulaudzi missed a fortune a little later, when he received a neat pass from Daniel Madobane outside the box.
Instead of returning the pass back to Madobane, who was in a perfect scoring position, Mulaudzi chose to try his luck by unleashing a volley.
The shot saw Motau pull off another good save, and he palmed the ball out for a corner kick.
Academy took the lead in the 34th minute when Pontso Ramasobana initiated a solo move from the centre of the park. He delivered a neat pass to Vincent Ramunana, who easily beat the stranded keeper with a volley.
Tigers did not sit back and relax after the goal and their leading goal scorer, Fhulufhelo Mudau, continued to knock on the opponents’ door, but with no success. Tigers replaced Lufuno Ramadzhadzha and Thabo Rapau with Pfarelo Ndou and Mulisa Rambau respectively.
Although the replacements managed to change the complexion of the game, it was difficult for Tigers to find their way through the Academy defence.
Academy went home with R25 000, a soccer kit, a floating trophy and gold medals, while Tigers collected R15 000, a soccer kit and silver medals.
Third placed Mukondeni Shooting Stars received R7 000 and bronze medals, while Magau United received R4 000 for ending in the fourth position.
