Red Eagles soar to title

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KNYSNA FOOTBALL NEWS - Red Eagles soared to the KLFA Domestic League title last weekend, edging out Flamingo on the final weekend to clinch their fourth league win and their first since the 2017/18 season.

Their league triumph comes after a tough season in which they have been neck-and-neck with Flamingo for the past four weeks, with the two sides separated only by goal difference all the way through.

Flamingo was at the better end of this tally, with a few emphatic wins that ensured they kept Red Eagles at arm's length while remaining level on points.

Going into the final weekend of matches on 26 and 27 June, both sides had three fixtures lying in wait. Flamingo was arguably facing the tougher of the two draws, having to face FC Rebels, Pine Stars and African Roots; Red Eagles would face Hot Stars, Young Chiefs and Slow Town.

Both sides' fixtures were played simultaneously throughout the weekend, and in Red Eagles' first game they beat already relegated Hot Stars 2-0. Flamingo on the other hand stumbled against FC Rebels, drawing that game 3-3.

This handed Red Eagles the edge they needed as they now led the league by two points. All they had to do was win their next game, and if Flamingo dropped any points, Red Eagles would be crowned the 2020/21 victors.

Red Eagles player Ethan Bayman (blue) tries to avoid a tackle but is fouled by Chax Mlasa (black).

Flamingo did drop points in their second game, drawing 1-1 against Pine Stars. Red Eagles did what they needed to and won their game against Young Chiefs 2-1, taking an unassailable four-point lead. With one game to go on Sunday, Red Eagles were now out of Flamingo's reach.

Photo gallery: KLFA Domestic League match in Knysna

Flamingo lined up against African Roots who managed to frustrate the league runners-up by holding them to a 2-2 draw. On the opposite field, however, recently crowned winners Red Eagles were making light work of relegated Slow Town, whom they dispatched 8-1 to secure a triumphant end to their season.

When the final whistle was blown, Red Eagles were first with Flamingo six points off in second, followed by Young Stars in third, and defending champions Smuts United in fourth.

Slow Town and Hot Stars are the two sides that will be relegated to the KLFA Super League, finishing in the bottom two positions on the log. It is not yet known who will be promoted from the Super League as their league is yet to be wrapped up.

Flamingo striker Simphiwe Grootboom (blue) approaches African Roots' Biro Booysen (orange) before the ball runs out of play. Photos: Blake Linder