Bush Bucks the MTG KO champs

The fans of Bush Bucks lift the team’s coach, Mr Dovhani “Dolezar” Manngo, while celebrating the team’s victory after the game.

Bush Bucks the MTG KO champs

Sheshe Bush Bucks were crowned the 2018 MTG KO competition champions after beating Mashishi Young Tigers 2-0 in the final at the Makonde Home Defenders grounds on Saturday.

The Tigers’ target man, Murena “Swilo” Nkhumeleni, could not live up to the fans’ expectations and the only time he threatened to score was when he received a beautiful pass from Mboniseni Netshokotshoko in the 15^th minute. Instead of relaxing on the ball and trying other possible ways, Nkhumeleni chose to unleash aimlessly from close range. The ball missed the target by inches, much to the fans’ disappointment.

The Bucks' top striker, Mashudu “Shakes” Mukhari, was unlucky in the 24^th minute. He tried his luck with a long-range half volley and suffered the pain of watching the ball going wide.

The Bucks centre back, Rudzani Munyai, was temporarily taken off the pitch on a stretcher. This after he had sustained a head injury, following a collision with a striker of Tigers. Instead of capitalizing on Bucks’ setback, Tigers calmed down the tempo of the game until Munyai made a full recovery and came back to continue.

Bush Bucks took the lead in the 39^th minute. Mashudu “Shakes” Mukhari hooked in the loose ball, following a scramble within the box.

Young Tigers tried their luck by effecting one change to their starting line-up early in the last half. They replaced Ndivhuwo Sinthumule with Zwivhuya Rambauli. Bush Bucks responded by introducing Vhudzisani Mudau and Thabelo Tshiamba for Fhatuwani Netshithuthuni Collen Ratshianelo respectively.

Ipfi Khorommbi, the Tigers’ fast forward, missed a fortune in the 78^th minute when his ground cutter went a little wide. Bush Bucks increased the lead in the 84^th minute when Alushavhiwi Phuluwa beat the keeper with a half volley to bring the final score to 2-0.

Maipfi Magalela of Tigers is focused on the high ball, while Lufuno Nenzhelele of Bucks is on his heels.

Mashudu Mukhari of Bucks (right) and Maipfi Magalela of Tigers chase the ball.

Date:21 June 2018

By: Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990. He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

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