Royal Citizens FC have been crowned as champions of the Mandela Park Local Football Association’s Resident Cup for the second successive season after they defeated Swallows FC 2-0 at Mandela Park Sports Field at the weekend.
Goals by Aphelele “Lele” Stimela and Wanda “Daki” Mfaku in the second half of a pulsating final on Sunday were enough to see the Makhaya-based outfit retain the trophy they won against the same opponents in 2019.
There was no football in the LFA in 2020 due to sport activities being halted by the Covid-19 pandemic. With activities at grassroots level given the green light recently, the Resident Cup was used by the LFA as a rehearsal for the commencement of the local league which is set to start over the next weekend.
Citizens FC manager Sibusiso Nonjeze was overjoyed with the victory and saluted the Kuyasa-based Swallows FC for giving them a tough time in the final. “But our team has been playing together for a long time and the players are now combining very well. That has certainly gave us the edge in the game.”
Nonjeze commended the good work of the event organisers and the officials, saying they had upped the ante.
Swallows manager Mbulelo Mbobi congratulated Citizens FC for successfully defending their title. “It was a very tough game, I must say. But they (Citizens) took their chances. I’m also proud of my boys because they gave their all in the game. But it was not to be. Next time we will come back stronger”.
Like Nonjeze, Mbobi also thanked the organisers and the match officials. “For the first in while they were very good. No complaints about how they handled the game.”
Meanwhile, Tip Top FC beat Magents 1-0 to win the U16 trophy, Mighty Bucks edged Royal Tigers 3-1 to take home the U14 title, and Young Eagles overcame Mahlangu Stars 3-2 in the U12 final.