By Katleho Chitja
BETHLEHEM – Mautse United booked their place in the inter-regional playoffs after winning the SAFA Thabo Mofutsanyana Nedbank Cup Qualifiers at Goble Park Stadium in Bethlehem on Saturday.
Four teams that advanced from their respective groups competed for the regional title, with DPJ United and Young Flames FC from Phuthaditjhaba, Hackette Vultures FC from Fouriesburg and Mautse United from Rosendal producing 23 goals in a thrilling day of football.
In the first semi-final, Young Flames FC defeated neighbours DPJ United 4-3. Mautse United, who are debutants in the Hollywoodbets Men’s Regional League, overcame a stubborn Hackette Vultures side 5-4 to secure their place in the final.
“Based on the performance from the teams, we don’t have any reason not to put trust in a team that will represent the region in the upcoming inter-regional and provincial playoffs. We believe all the teams in our region have the potential to qualify for the Nedbank Cup Last 32.
“We will also support Mautse United in their preparations for the playoffs, including assisting where necessary with what they need to fully prepare for the playoffs,” said SAFA Thabo Mofutsanyana REO Tshiliso Motijane.
Mautse United then faced Young Flames FC in the regional final on the same day, with a place in the next round of the Nedbank Cup qualifiers at stake.
The Rosendal side claimed the honours after beating Young Flames 4-3 to advance to the inter-regional playoffs.
“The boys are motivated and looking forward to the upcoming playoffs. Our training focuses mostly on scoring goals. Even when we look at the municipal playoffs, we qualified with most goals scored, hence we excel the way we do, and that will also be our mission in the upcoming playoffs,” said Mautse United coach Modungoa Thoabala.
“Our aim now is to fight until we reach the Last 32, and lastly, I strongly believe we have a competitive squad to fight until the end,” he said.
The inter-regional playoffs are scheduled for 17 and 18 October, with the winner standing a chance to face provincial winners Welkom Real Stars later this month for the opportunity to represent the Free State in the Nedbank Cup Last 32.
