FOOTBALL NEWS - Despite the cloudy weather on Sunday afternoon, 3 September, the sport loving communities in Plettenberg Bay turned up in great numbers to support the last games of the Woza Woza Tournament at Kwanokuthula Stadium.
Knysna outfit La Liga were crowned the new Woza Woza champions after defeating Raul Stars from George 2-0 in an entertaining final.
The only two goals in the final were scored by Kolisi Wongalethu and Thokozani Shabalala for La Liga. Both goals were netted in the first 25 minutes of the game. La Liga goalkeeper, Siziba Wongalethu, played an exceptional game, ultimately going home with a clean sheet.
Nineteen teams participated in this year's Woza Woza football tournament. In the semi-finals, La Liga defeated home side Oriented Birds in a penalty shoot-out where the score in ordinary time was 2-2 before La Liga won 7-6 on penalties.
A youthful team was selected by George's Raul Stars, and they also won their semi-final on penalties 2(4)-2(2) after regulation time.
Bradley Hartnick (right) of La Liga fighting for the ball against Thabo Mtsha (left) of Raul Stars.
A great final
The final got off to a good start with both Raul Stars and La Liga enjoying positive build-up and attacking play in the early stages of the game.
The Knysna outfit launched a strong attack down the left side of the field delivering a great cross into the box and Kolisi Wongalethu managed to bag the game's first goal to make it 1-0, putting La Liga in the lead.
Raul Stars retaliated with lots of positive play, but the solid defence from La Liga made it difficult for them to see any success.
After scoring their first goal, La Liga gained confidence and looked for more chances. Rushane Davids of La Liga was playing very good attacking football on the right wing, delivering threatening crosses into the box.
Herchell Wagner (right) of La Liga trying to get the ball against Lilitha Rilityana (left) of Raul Stars.
A just reward
La Liga was awarded with a set piece outside the box with Thokozani Shabalala taking the free kick and scoring La Liga's second goal to make it 2-0 after some poor communication in the Raul Stars back line.
Raul Stars players Thulani Zakade and Lindokuhle Dassie tried their best to build their passes from the midfield, but it was not easy to break through the stubborn La Liga defence. The first 45 minutes of the game ended 2-0 with La Liga leading into the break.
La Liga's team before the final.
A quiet second half
The second half saw both teams playing offensive football with Raul Stars grinding for their first goal of the game. Siphosethu Bota of Raul Stars sent a dangerous cross into the box, but his shot was well defended by a La Liga defender who managed to clear it away.
Bradley Hartnick of La Liga tried for the third goal during the final minutes of the game, but his powerful strike was well blocked by the Raul Stars goalkeeper, who made a brilliant save. The exciting Woza Woza final ended 2-0.
Thokozani Shabalala of La Liga was also named the Player of the Tournament.
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