NEWLY established side Bay Tigers stunned football critics when they deservedly won the prestigious Zwide Football Association (ZWIFA) Premier League trophy on Sunday.
Tigers wrapped up the league in their debut season when they defeated Gal City 4-3 on Saturday in their penultimate game.
The win took Tigers to 31 league points, while the ZWIFA Premier League runners-up, Shining Stars, were on 27.
Tigers added to their great weekend by beating closest rivals Shining Stars 2-0 at Zwide Stadium on Sunday, meaning they won the league by seven points.
Loyiso Mgayi headed home Tigers’ opening goal late in the first half. Tigers kept on searching for their second goal, but Stars’ defence stood their ground.
Stars midfielder Mandilakhe Kula and Mphumezi Kemele read each other very well.
Azola Cekiso delivered a hot shot, but Tigers’ goalkeeper thwarted the midfielder’s attempt with ease.
Sihle Scara Nela banged in the second goal for Tigers to increase the score to 2-0. Tigers made history after they were awarded the ZWIFA Premier League trophy and gold medals.
Former Bay United and PE Tigers winger and current head coach, Loyiso Sticks Ntombana, stated that he was delighted for his young side’s victory.
Ntombana said, “I did not put any pressure on my boys. I always tell them that they should enjoy the game. It has been a long journey, but my boys managed to emerge as winners.
“We have worked very hard and we trusted each other. The previous games had a telling effect on my players. The journey has not yet been finished off because we have to prepare ourselves for the promotional play-offs.”
