A classy Malandela Mighty Heroes continued their dominance of Alex football when their U17 team was crowned champions of Maimane Alfred Phiri (Map) Games 2016 after a successful title defence.
They beat a gritty Gunners 2–0 in a final played at the No 3 Square Grounds on Youth Day (16 June) with goals from Lethabo Mazibuko and Thabang Mnguni.
As was the case last year, Heroes had two teams that were crowned champions of the Map Games. In last year’s tournament, it was the U13s and the U17s, but this year the U13s were knocked out in the semis on penalties by new kids on the block, Alex Royal Tigers.
However, Heroes’ U15s continued the club’s good record after outclassing Thembisa and Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association League side Phomolong All Stars 2–0.
The U15s boast one of the most talented sides in the Heroes stable with nimble-footed players of the likes of Tshepang ‘Messi’ Phala, and captain Sithuli Zulu, who’s nicknamed ‘Zulu’ (the mighty) for his ability to command the team’s impis to war.
Another outstanding member of the star-studded side is Katlego Botopela who, like Phala attends Realogile High School. Botopela scored a beauty of a goal from a free-kick on the fringe of the 18-yard area.
After the goal, the star-studded side ran riot over Stars and Zulu latched onto a cross and added the second goal of the match which then prompted the boys to freely display the stuff they are made of. Zulu and company then took to their hallmark of dribbling and dazzling their opponents with their nimble-footed skills to the amusement of the large crowd of spectators who clapped, shouted and ululated in merriment.
