
Favourites Free State walloped KZN 5-1 in the semi-finals to send a clear message of intent to their rivals; the hosts; who needed penalties to overcome last year’s winners Western Cape 4-3 on penalties after the game had ended deadlocked at 1-1.
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“That is the whole essence of such a tournament. It gives an opportunity to a number of future stars to be identified and make a break into the professional ranks. We as SAFA would like to thank our partners SAB for such an opportunity given to our future stars,” said SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan.
The 15th Edition of this SAB League Championships has seen hundreds of football lovers in and around Mafikeng coming out in their numbers to witness some thrilling football on display.
Another bumper crowd is expected to descend at the University of North West on Sunday as Free State and the host province fight it out for the ultimate prize.
The hosts will be looking to settle a score, following their 2 – 1 defeat against Free State in the group stages of the tournament.
It will not be easy for the home side with Free State buoyed by the 5 – 1 thrashing of KwaZulu-Natal in the semi-finals.
Star striker, Dylan O’Brien has been Free State’s mainstay and would like to seal an impressive tournament with a winner’s medal. He is the current leading goal scorer of the tournament with 5 goals.
North West will rely upon the backing of the home supporters and would be keen to avenge the group stages defeat by the Free Staters.
Midfield maestro, Ramokgadi George has been a livewire for North West and with the backing of the home supporters; the midfield ace is set to give the Free State defence a torrid afternoon.
The SAB League has witnessed a total of 67 goals scored in 19 matches, proving that the future of South African football is certainly headed in the right direction.
Free State’s road to the final
Group Stages
KwaZulu-Natal 2 – 1 Free State
Free State 2 – 2 Limpopo
North West 1 – 2 Free State
Quarter Finals
Free State 2 – 2 USSA Football (Free State won 4 – 3 on penalties)
Semi Finals
Free State 5 – 1 KwaZulu-Natal
North West’s road to the final
Limpopo 1 – 4 North West
North West 0 – 0 KwaZulu-Natal
North West 1 – 2 Free State
Quarter Finals
North West 5 – 2 Gauteng
Semi Finals
Western Cape 1 – 1 North West (North West won 4 – 3 on penalties)
SAB League Championship Finals: 20 July, North West University, Mafikeng Campus:
Free State vs North West Kick Off: 15h00