By Sibusiso Masilela
(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Denver Sundowns…………….. (0)0
Mbabane Highlanders………. (0) 0
Highlanders won 5-3 on penalties
Mbabane Highlanders first-choice goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala proved to be the light for the capital City giants. The lanky goalkeeper guided the crowd-pulling side to their second Bible Society Cup title after beating Denver Sundowns on penalties at a dark Mavuso Sports Centre on Saturday.
Shabalala produced a five-star performance during the lottery penalty shootout after he saved Alvin Shabashie’s spot kick before netting the winner.
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Wild celebrations erupted afterwards at the venue where there was no floodlight, forcing the over-passionate 6000 fans to use their flashlights as alternative floodlights.
The former Moneni Pirates goalkeeper had earlier orchestrated his former team’s downfall similarly in the shootout during the first semifinal. Shabalala walked away with the best goalkeeper award while Sundowns playmaker Mthokozisi Hlatshwako was named the player of the tournament.
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Sundowns gave their best shot on the day as they matched the defending champions pound for pound during the finals. The ‘Kappa Boys’ had booked their place in the final through the lottery shootout where they knocked out Manzini Wanderers by 8-7 during sudden death.
Teams
Sundowns
Bernard, Tony, Andile/, Mthunzi, Jimoh, Alvin, Lethukukhanya, Bandile, Melusi, Mthokozisi, Wandile
Highlanders
Khanyakwezwe, Melusi, Delisa, Vusi, Palma, Thomo, Noko, Cebo, Allico, Siyabonga, Moloto