| The Metropolitan sponsored Human Rights Four Nations Soccer Tournament in Boipatong came to a close with the local crowd in a joyful mood after hosts Amajita were crowned as this year’s champions of the Four Nations tournament after an impressive 2-0 victory over neighbours Swaziland on Saturday, 27 March.
Amajita, who had beaten Botswana 1-0 in the semi final to book a place in the final, did not waste much time in finding the back of the net and it came through exciting midfielder Manzi Masuku, scorer of the only goal in the semi final against Botswana, in the 5th minute from the penalty spot. He sent Swaziland goalkeeper Samkeliso Dlamini the wrong way, much to the excitement of the supporters who had filled the stadium.
The hosts secured their victory after Ayanda Lubelo increased the lead. Dlamini had failed to make a save off a shot and Lubelo was able to pounce on the mistake.
Ayanda Lubelo and Manzi Masuku were a constant threat to the Swaziland defence as they created numerous opportunities for themselves and for their teammates. Swaziland tried their best to get back into the game by going on the attack on numerous occasions, but Amajita were very tight at the back.
The second half did not produce much action from either country. Once the referee had blown the final whistle, the crowd were on their feet in excitement as the trophy was handed to Amajita captain Mzuvele Skhosana. Amajita coach Maqsood Chenia said he was glad that the trophy will be staying in South Africa and pleased that his players were able to carry out his instructions throughout the game.
“I am very excited with this victory. It was a tough game, but the boys followed instructions and it worked out well for us, considering that we did not have that much time to prepare for the tournament.”
His counterpart, Swaziland coach Calep Ngwenya praised his boys for their brave showing in the two games they played in the tournament.
“We would have loved to win the tournament and I must admit that we are disappointed. But the boys still tried their best and it was actually good to make it into the final. South Africa are a good team and they deserve to win it,” he said after the game.
He thanked the Sedibeng District Municipality and SAFA for inviting them to the 50th commemoration of the Sharpville Massacre and Metropolitan for their commitment to nurturing young talent.
Amajita’s Sanele Ngubane was voted as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Ayanda Lubelo was given the award for the Player of the Tournament. Manzi Masuku won the joint Top Scorer award with Botswana’s Maikano Maikano and Lesotho’s Marabe Litsepe. They each scored two goals.
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