Dogs of the Game FC from Mandela Park in Khayelitsha won the Battle of the Stars Tournament on Saturday 18 February, after beating Money Heist FC from Philippi 3-0 on penalties.
The game ended 0-0 after regulation time.
The tournament, which was held at Vuyiseka Sports Complex in Philippi East, kicked off on Saturday 28 January. The Dogs walked away with a trophy, gold medal and a R13 000 cheque.
The Dogs coach Thulani Mabandla said the tournament was tough. He praised his boys for showing character on the field.
“It wasn’t easy,” he related. “We had a balanced game but my boys were focused. We lost our opening match during the group stages. Since then we have won all our games.”
Mabandla described the pre-season tournament as helpful as it assists them to assess the players’ fitness levels.
“The major problem in our team is a centre-back,” he said. “I think we need to fix that department and other than the team is good. We went there as underdogs and we beat big teams during the knockout stages.”
The coach praised his goalkeeper for great saves, especially during the final game. “Our goalkeeper made superb saves during the final,” he said. “He was in good form and he saved the team.”
He thanked the organisers for giving them such exposure during the tournament.
The runners-up Money Heist left with R8 000 and silver medals. In the 3rd place, Guptas FC from Better Life took away R4 000. While Diadora FC from Athlone in 4th place walked away with R3 000.