By Myolisi Gophe / 17 April, 2022 20:30
The battle for this year’s coveted HollywoodBets Mayambela Community Cup Under 21 has come down to just four clubs: Reigning Khayelitsha Local Football Association (LFA) champions Goal Hunters; Nyanga-based Everton; and Helderberg LFA warriors Bazuka United and Myrmidon.
The tournament, named after local legends Mark and Mihlali Mayambela, has seen talented young footballers playing their hearts out in Khayelitsha since Friday, and nowhere was that more evident than in the last 16 and quarterfinals at Khayelitsha Stadium today (17 April).
Myrmidon, formerly Strand Hotspurs, beat Lokxion Stars from Stellenbosch 3-1; Hunters won 1-0 against Helderberg Rovers from Strand; Bazuka triumphed 1-0 over United Brothers of Langa; and Everton overcame Trinitarians from Uitsig in Elsies River 7-6 on penalties after the two sides were locked at 1-1 after regulation time.
The Hunters-Rovers match, which was played at the same time as the Myrmidon-Loxion encounter, was a scintillating, tightly-contested affair, which drew the attention of many supporters.
Rovers created better scoring opportunities in the first stanza. Their number 11, Ayabulela Machasa, in particular, dazzled the Hunters defence from the left flank on a number of occasions but his side could not make those opportunities count.
They were left to rue the missed chances as Litshaba Phakathi scored a left-footed stunner from just outside the box midway through the second half to ensure the host LFA has a representative in the semis.
Hunters coach Anela Jerry Bota had this to say about the game.
“The game was very tough – we played a number of games in a short space of time, and we were up against a very strong team. But we have done our homework in terms of training and fitness, and the boys fought hard and stuck to the game plan. I think that is what put us through.”
It also helped to have something worth playing for – a tournament that is worth the effort.
“This tournament is very good for the community. The Mayambela Foundation and the Mayambela brothers did well by giving back to the community. In our townships that is very rare, and as a community we are very grateful. And also for the fact that there are scouts from professional clubs. The boys are motivated by that.”
Hunters is going into the semifinals with a lot to prove – but they’re ready for it.
“To be the sole representative of Khayelitsha in the semifinals is pressure but I think we are up for the challenge because we know that teams from Khayelitsha that bite out of the tournament are supporting us. We will do our best not to let them down.”
Hunters will take on Myrmidon in the second semi-finals at 13h00 tomorrow (18 April) after Bazuka clash with Everton at 11h00. The winners will go on to compete for the ultimate pride and glory – and R30 000.
