MagRush | October 6, 2019
SuperSport United FC are the 2019 MTN Top 8 Cup champions after beating Highlands Park FC 1-0 in the final last night. The only goal of the match was scored in the first half by the deadly Bradley Grobler in a half-empty Orlando stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.
A first-half header [45+1′] by Grobler heralded SuperSport United to their 3rd conquering MTN Top 8 Cup at Orlando Stadium Saturday night.
It was not long after kick off when SuperSport goalkeeper Rowan Williams was tested and parried a Highlands Park close-range strike away from goal. Another chance fell to the prolific Peter Shalulile unleashing a spectacular overhead kick that went over the crossbar; thus, denying the Lions of the North a goal in the final.
Marking a historical cup-final appearance ever in the elite league, Highlands Park did not pose any harm for the better part of the first half albeit dominating the infield activities.
In a cup final with limited goal-scoring opportunities, Grobler freely headed home a menacing cross immaculately whipped from the right flank by the youthful Teboho Mokeona just before it crossed the touchline. The ought goal of the match fetched the lethal finisher a cool R25, 000 from the sponsor, MTN.
Another personal accolade of equal monetary value went to the industrious striker, Thamsanqa Gabuza. He was named “man of the match” rated above all and sundry on a rewarding Soweto night.
Highlands Park’s attempts at goal were off target almost the entire 90 minutes bar sparks of deft combinations in the middle.
Halfway in the second half, they introduced experienced campaigners Tendai Ndoro in the 67th minute for Mokete Mogaila and 14 minutes later, Yeye Letsholonyane for Luckyboy Mokeona to enliven their hopes up. Ndoro drove a vicious 25-yard shot but the ball went wide.
Even the go-to-man, Peter Shalulile, the Lions of the North markmans, was bottled almost the entire second half of the game. He did not launch any strike towards goal of any threatening potential except the first-half bicycle kick.
Highlands Park nearly restored parity when a spiraling cross from the right wing evaded everybody in the box and met with a Highlands header that saw the ball ricochet off the upright.
The Lions of the North failed to capitalise on the minimal chances they created in both halves until Victor Gomes blew the final whistle after four minutes added time elapsed.
Matsatsantsa a Pitori took out Gabuza to insulate the imminent win and reinforce the squad with the veteran defender Bongani Khumalo in the 90th minute.
Evidently, SuperSport coach Kaitano Thembo’s game plan outshined that of Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama’s. Both of them showed they were not prepared to ease the guard for a high-scoring cup clash hence the duel was eventually separated by a single goal.
Along with the MTN8 coveted confetti-adorned silverware, Matsatsantsa a Pitori banked a handy R8 million on the night.