DELMAS– Sharpshooters FC clinched the local top-four knockout tournament with a thrilling 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Real Madrid after a tense goalless final at Mandela Sports Grounds on 20 September.
The Sharpshooters reached the final by beating Bernabeu 4-2 in the semi-final, with captain Mthobisi Mokoena and striker Pewula Mathonsi scoring twice each. Real Madrid booked their place with a narrow 3-2 win over Ahly Ahly in the first Extension 4 derby of the competition.
The final itself was a cagey affair. Sharpshooters head coach Mthokozisi Msiza set his side up to press high and deny Real Madrid space, and disrupt their short-passing game. The plan worked for 90 minutes as Sharpshooters created plenty of chances but failed to convert.
“I never thought it would go to penalties,” said Coach Msiza. “With penalties you always need a bit of luck, no matter how good you are. My captain Mthobisi missed his kick, but he played brilliantly and created many opportunities. We just couldn’t finish them.”
In the end, it was the experienced Xolani Masilela who kept his nerve to score the decisive penalty and hand Sharpshooters a memorable 6-5 win in the shootout.
The tournament requires a R500 affiliation fee, with the champions pocketing R2,000 prize money. Although no trophy or medals were handed out, Msiza said the competition was a vital pre-season preparation.
“This tournament helped us a lot to check on our players’ fitness levels,” he said. “We’ll start the season sharp and that will help us face tough opponents in the league.”
For Sharpshooters, the victory means more than just prize money. After struggling in previous local tournaments, the team now carries momentum into the new campaign. “It means a lot to both the players and the fans,” Msiza added. “Now the boys must push harder and work together to achieve our one goal of winning.”
