Anthony Laffor Starts With Trophy

Lone Star’s captain Anthony Laffor has started SuperSports United FC preseason on a good footing by leading the DSTV boys to getting their first trophy in preparation for the upcoming South African premiership.

SuperSports emerged as champion of a Four-Team tournament that took place at the Rand Stadium in the South of Johannesburg on Saturday. The tournament featured SuperSports United, Bloemfontein Celtic, Moroka Swallows and Platinum Stars.

The first semifinal saw Moroka Swallows taking on the North-West based outfit Stars who featured a few trialists, including former Matsatsantsa star Excellent Walaza. Swallows booked their place in the final after beating Stars 1-0, courtesy of Siyabonga “Bhele” Nomvethe. The second semifinal saw Matsatsantsa taking on Celtic, who featured ex-United players such as Tsietsi Mahoa, Hlompho Kekana and goalkeeper Thabang Stemmer.

Matsatsantsa won 2-0 with both seasoned forward Glen Salmon and Kermit Erasmus on the score-sheet. Matsatsantsa had four new signings such as Nasief Morris, John Arwuah, Motseothata November and Mduduzi Nyanda in their starting line-up. Skhumbuzo Mdluli and Sanele Khuzwayo both came off the bench for November and Tebogo Langerman.

In the third place play-off, Celtic drew 1-1 with Stars at fulltime. There was no extra time and the match had to be decided on penalties. Celtic won on penalties after sudden death. In the final, United drew 1-1 with Swallows. Swallows were the first to register a goal and held on for longer.

SuperSports equalized in the 89th minute after Jabu Maluleke shrewdly played a corner-kick to Thandani Ntshumayelo, who miscued the shot and the rebound fell to Ricardo Katza, who was ready to punch and shot the ball at goal which deflected into the back of the net.

Again, the match was decided on spot-kicks. SuperSports won 4-2. Dipsy Selolwane, Jabu Maluleke, Mario Booysen and Thabo September all converted. Keeper Ronwen Williams, who had a good game, saved two spot-kicks taken by former SuperSports United defender Rudi Isaacs and Bongani Thwala.