No WC league for Simunye

FOOTBALL NEWS - A third-division Western Cape play-off to go through to the Western Cape ABC Motsepe Provincial League attracted more than a thousand supporters to the Mbekweni Stadium in Paarl last weekend.

Safa Eden's hopes of having more teams in the semi-professional ABC Motsepe League were dashed when they fell short in points in their group.

Eden Regional League champions Simunye from Lawaaikamp in George locked horns with the high-flying Hanover Park in their first game of the play-offs, where Simunye were defeated 4-0.

The four goals were scored by Brent "Eier" Adonis (brace), Peter "Pikes" Adams and Mickyle George.

In their second game, Simunye played a 2-2 draw against Overberg Region's Fleetwood. The teams participating in the Western Cape third-division play-offs are Hanover Park (Cape Town), Battalions (Cape Winelands), Rangers (West Coast), Simunye (Eden), Fleetwood (Overberg) and Beaufort West United Brothers (Bubs) (Central Karoo).

Hanover Park played a high-pressure game from the start and earned two set pieces within the first five minutes. Simunye defenders soaked up the pressure with Khanyisani Radebe playing the ball on the ground.

Hanover Park's first attempt to score was denied by Simunye goalkeeper Mluleki Mkwela, but they stayed on the attack and Brent Adonis netted their first goal after a cross from the right side of the field.

They kept dominating the game using their speed and were awarded with a second goal from Peter Adams. Simunye were chasing the game, but lost the struggle against a strong headwind. Hanover Park were leading 2-0 into the break.

The second half saw Simunye putting in every effort. However, Hanover Park took the game from them using the pace of their wings, Peter Adonis and Ashley Sass, leading to Brent Adonis netting their third goal. Simunye defenders had their hands full to block the continuous attacks from Hanover Park. A fourth goal scored by Mickyle George for Hanover Park put the nail in the coffin for Simunye.

Hanover Park and Battalions were automatically promoted to the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League for the upcoming 2022/2023 season.

Third Division Western Cape play-offs results

Saturday 2 July

Hanover Park 4-0 Simunye
Rangers 5-1 Bubs
Battalions 4-1 Rangers
Simunye 2-2 Fleetwood

Sunday 3 July

Batallions 4-0 Bubs
Hanover Park 2-1 Fleetwood

Final

Batallions 4-2 Hanover Park

The Simunye team before their game against Hanover Park. Back, from left: Hassain Nahimana, Vuyo Bokwe, Mluleki Mkwela, Khanyisani Radebe, Mfundo Bophela, Keathon van Rooyen and Thulasizwe Simelane. Front: Madlala Siyanda, Mihlali Feni, Siwaphiwo Ndumiso, Shabalala Sithabiso, Vuyisa Dyonas and Yamkela Ntlaba. Photos: Zama Gagu