PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Oriented Birds Football Club were officially crowned champions of the Woza Woza Tournament Season 4 on Sunday 31 August, after defeating Potso Stars (Hankey) 2 0 in a tightly contested final at Kwanokuthula Stadium in Plettenberg Bay. 

As reward for their victory, Oriented Birds raked in R45 000.

Played under heavy clouds, the game delivered a thrilling spectacle for hundreds of local supporters who packed the stands. 

The victory marks a historic back-to-back championship for the Plett-based side, who have now firmly established themselves as one of the tournament's elite contenders.

Oriented Birds got off to a strong start after a cagey opening. Former SuperSport United player Sibusiso Maziko delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Eston Matheus rose highest to head home the opening goal past the Potso Stars goalkeeper. 

The home side took a 1-0 lead into the break, despite spirited efforts from Potso Stars duo Golimpi Lwando and Siyahluma Dyasi to find an equaliser.

The second half saw a more composed performance from the Birds, with midfielders Buyelekhaya Velelwandle and Athenkosi Dlala controlling the tempo. 

Supported by the experienced Melisizwe Duda, the hosts kept the Stars on the back foot.

Late in the match, a reckless challenge inside the box on Lakhiwe Menze earned Oriented Birds a penalty. Maziko calmly slotted it home to double the lead and put the result beyond doubt.

Goalkeeper Sesethu Nyunya was instrumental in maintaining the clean sheet, pulling off a string of crucial saves to deny Potso Stars a lifeline.

Lakhiwe Menze (left) of Oriented Birds fights for the ball with Walters Jeremierer (right) of Potso Stars. Photos: Zama Gagu

In the semi-finals, Oriented Birds edged out Abahlobo FC (Knysna) 2-1, while Potso Stars advanced with a 2-0 win over Wits FC. A total of 32 teams competed in this year's edition of the annual tournament.

Head coach Welcome Qalanto praised his squad's determination, calling the victory a "major boost" for the team's development. "We're in a building phase with a lot of new faces, and to win it again shows the strength and unity in the squad," said Qalanto.

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