YOUNG Romans FC claimed a 2-0 victory over Real Crusaders FC in the final of the Ginola Easter Tournament at Young Romans Grounds in KwaZakhele on Sunday, April 4.
The tournament, which was played by eight teams in two groups, started in a round-robin format and ended in a knockout format. The teams that played were Real Crusaders, Golden Aces, Shining Stars, Sophakama FC, Young Romans, Strikers United, VW FC and Heroes.
Then the group leaders took on the second placed teams from the opposite group in the semi-finals. Real Crusaders defeated Strikers United 5-4 in sudden death after regulation time ended 1-1. Young Romans, affectionately called Amaroma, booked a place in the finals after a 2-1 victory over Shining Stars.
Amaroma took a very early lead after their striker, Ntsikelelo Norhushu, unleashed a hotshot that beat Crusaders’ goalkeeper. In the dying minutes of the second half, Crusaders attacked, but Luvuyo Mkhonto Matebese intercepted a pass and laid a perfect pass to Mncedi Masoka, who sent a salvo that saw Amaroma claiming a 2-0 victory.
Amaroma went home with a floating trophy, gold medals and R3 000, while Crusaders settled for silver medals and R1 000.
The tournament director, Anne Khuthala Kakancu, said that she had decided to host the tournament to honour her brother, Mdibanisi Ginola Kakancu, after he had a good 21 years’ service with Real Crusaders, as a player.
Kakancu said, “I have decided to call this tournament the Ginola Easter Tournament because my brother, Ginola, was loyal to Crusaders for 21 years. Furthermore, the tournament is used as an instrument to fight all the social ills that our youths are faced with.
“It was very quiet in our area since no crime was reported as we hosted the programme. This tournament will be an annual event and I will make sure that it will be bigger than it is now.
“I want to thank the supporters, local organising committee, Ward 22 Councillor, Kholekile Boqwana, match officials and the clubs who played football of a high standard,” she said.
