The Gauteng-based side proved themselves worthy winners, exhibiting a combination of sound tactical discipline allied to a sense of positive determination throughout the competition.
Having survived an early scare in the final, they took the lead in the 28th minute when the tournament’s top scorer, Sheldon Stevens netted his 6th goal of the campaign with a composed finish. A lapse in concentration three minutes prior to half-time allowed Rangers to level matters through Farouk Paulse, but after the break, there was only one team that was going to win. With the strong breeze at their backs, Supersport added two further goals, courtesy of Damian Michell and Mpho Mareda, to end Rangers’ brave resistance as the shadows began to lengthen over the Cape Flats.
Supersport had qualified for the final in emphatic style earlier in the day, humbling Ajax Cape Town 6-1 in front of the flabbergasted home fans. The Urban Warriors failed to come to grips with Matsatsantsa’s superiority in virtually all departments and in the end had to concede defeat to the better team. Rangers had it a lot tougher in their semi-final, squandering a 3-1 lead late in their match against close rivals Vasco Da Gama, to finish 3-3 after extra time, but held their nerve to win the penalty shootout, 5-3. The victory, however, came at a cost, with both head coach, Brandon Truter and his assistant, plus two players, suspended for the final.
A disappointed but proud Truter said afterwards, “The suspensions really hurt us. We were unable to prepare the team properly and were missing two key team members, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Congratulations to Supersport, they had more left in the tank at the end of a very hard day. Two basic mistakes from set pieces cost us dearly, but I am very proud of my boys for getting all the way to the final. They deserve huge credit.”
Winning coach, Kwanele Kopo said, “It was not our best performance, but we got the result. It is very difficult to play two matches in one day and you could see heavy legs in both teams in the final. In situations like this, it’s the team that takes their chances that gets the glory and today, happily it was us. Overall, I’m delighted with the way things turned out.”
Metropolitan Group Executive: Group Empowerment & Corporate Affairs, Nkosinathi Chonco said, “The high standard of the competition and the sporting spirit in which it was played is a fitting way to celebrate 22 years of the Premier Cup. Metropolitan is proud of its association and contribution as chief sponsor to this important event on the football calendar. It was heart-warming to feel the community atmosphere that make this such a unique spectacle, and it ties in perfectly with Metropolitan’s commitment to youth football development and community upliftment.”
The following of awards were presented at the conclusion of proceedings:
Referee of the Tournament: Emanuel De Sani
Top Goal Scorer: Sheldon Stevens (Supersport) 6 Goals
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Sherwyn Naiker (Supersport)
Manager of the Tournament: Maziwakhe Zephonia (Supersport)
Team of the Tournament: Baltic Rangers
Player of the Tournament: Mbuso Manyoni (Supersport)
First hat-trick: Heath Hellenberg (Vasco Da Gama)
Fastest Goal: Yusuf Ackers (Baltic Rangers)
Most Promising Amateur Team: Young Idols
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