Birds qualify for Nedbank Cup provincial play-offs

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FOOTBALL NEWS - Oriented Birds from Plettenberg Bay qualified for the Western Cape Nedbank Cup provincial play-offs after defeating the Lawaaikamp giants Black Cats 2-1 in the district final.

The game was played on Sunday afternoon, 16 October at the Lawaaikamp Stadium. The three goals were converted by Vuyani Mdali and Xolani Ngcukayithobi (own goal) for the Birds and Mzwanele Jwaqa for Black Cats.

Oriented Birds right-winger Ayabulela Mseleni played an exceptional game, creating chances for the Birds centre forward.

Birds scored two goals in the first half, with the first being netted by Vuyani Mdali from a set piece and the second an own goal by Xolani Ngcukayithobi after Ayabulela Mseleni delivered a powerful shot inside the box.

Several attempts by the home team, Black Cats, were unsuccessful, including two from Khanyisani Radebe and Keathon van Rooyen. After the Birds' second goal, Cats came back stronger, but to no avail. The first half ended 2-0 with Orientated Birds leading.

The second half saw Cats initially attacking on the left side of the field employing the pace of Hussein Amimu. The game sprang to life however after Cats made a substitution, bringing in Mzwanele Jwaqa to replace Keswa Banele in the centre of the field.

Jwaqa played beautiful touches, taking the game from Birds and scoring their only goal with a superb strike just outside the box. Birds kept their shape and defended their lead for the rest of the game.

PHOTO GALLERY: Plett football team qualify for WC Nedbank Cup

OB chairman Zitho Tyontwana was proud of his team. He said it had been challenging to gather young players from different backgrounds and different informal settlements and mould them into a cohesive team, but he is very positive that they will go on to the represent Western Cape in the Nedbank Cup nationals.

His goal is that his team will gain promotion to the semi-professional ABC Motsepe Provincial League.

He also sent a big thank to the football supporters and head coach Marx Banzi, who made a big difference in the team and is helping bring back the glory days to Plettenberg Bay.

Oriented Birds players before their final game against Black Cats. Back from left: Mfundo Bophela, Khanyisani Radebe, Abulele Bhabha, Vuyani Mdali, Xhota Zakhe and Minana Thabis. Front: Ayabulela Mseleni, Ndolombane Lukhanyo, Luphoko Masikholwe, Damans Fazel and Onesimo Jacobs.

The Black Cats team are, back from left: Lucky Veiver, Siphosethu Nyhunyha, Keathon van Rooyen, Xolani Ngcukayithobi, Keswa Banele and Xolani Mandla. Front: Mivuyo Ngubo, Hussein Amimu, Ayabulela Jantjies, Lunga Jantjies and Tsepo Mbenyane.