PIGG’S PEAK – They came, competed and conquered!
Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League outfit KaMhlushwa Real Madrid lifted the Pigg’s Peak Clean Up Campaign pre-season tournament trophy.
The South African side beat Mbabane Swallows 2-1 in the opening match before overcoming Malanti Chiefs 2-0 in the final.
The tournament was played at Killarney Sports Ground on Saturday in front of a crowd of more than 100 fans, with the four participating sides using the competition as part of their preparations for the new season.
KaMhlushwa Real Madrid Coach Thomas Nkosi was pleased with what he saw from his young side, particularly after giving Under-20 players an opportunity to showcase their talent.
“This was our first pre-season game and we played with Under-20 players. They can compete and I’m glad we won the trophy with the young squad. There is something good coming this season. We are working hard to move from the ABC Motsepe League in Mpumalanga and push for promotion to the Championship,” Nkosi said.
Mbabane Swallows, meanwhile, used the tournament to assess a large squad as Coach Sindiso Gama continues rebuilding the side.
Among the players who featured for Swallows were former Baroka FC star Mthokozisi ‘Dancing Confidence’ Ngcobo, Malanti Chiefs goalkeeper Bongiswa ‘Khune’ Dlamini, Mangwanyana striker Phiwokwakhe ‘Shalulile’ Matsebula and former Kwaluseni Rebels player Muzi ‘Kalito’ Thobela.
Gama said the tournament provided an opportunity to assess potential recruits before making decisions ahead of the new campaign.
Malanti Chiefs Coach Bongumusa ‘Giggs’ Mdluli said the tournament was also an important first test for his side.
“This was our first game and we are still looking at the players. We lost some players to other teams and we are looking to bolster the squad. We want to start the season on a high and do better,” Mdluli said.
Speaking on behalf of the tournament organisers, Busta Vilakati described the event as a success and said the tournament would return next year.
He said the initiative was also aimed at creating opportunities for local players to showcase their talent, while giving businesses a platform to promote their products.
Vilakati thanked the participating teams, supporters and stakeholders, particularly House of Assembly Speaker Jabulani ‘Buycash’ Mabuza and the Pigg’s Peak municipality, for contributing to the success of the tournament.
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