EVANS MALATULA
Maroela was crowned the 2009 Tuks Football House League champion beating Kiaat 4-3 after penalty shoot-outs in the finals. The match took place at a packed Absa Tuks stadium on Monday night, September 7.
Maroela went to the finals as the only unbeaten team in the House League and certainly looked forward to keeping its impressive record. Kiaat, on the other hand, were the defending champions and were hoping to successfully defend their title.
Maroela scored within the first 15 minutes of the game, after which Kiaat seemed to get back into the game. The remainder of the first half belonged to both teams as they created opportunities, but failed to convert. Maroela supporters kept the stadium vibrant as they blew their vuvuzelas and sang for their team. Meanwhile, the Kiaat supporters could do nothing but watch as their team kept searching for an equaliser. But, the game went to half time with Maroela still in the lead.
Kiaat started the second half looking more determined to get an equaliser, but could not crack the solid Maroela defence. Maroela also kept attacking, but failed to increase their lead as their striker missed two consecutive chances.
The game became very physical and resulted in five cards being issued in a period of 15 minutes. Four of the cards, including a red card, went to Maroela. Kiaat took advantage of the fact that only ten Maroela players remained and were finally rewarded as they got an equaliser six minutes before the final whistle blew. The Maroela supporters who had been singing were silenced for the remainder of the second half as the Kiaat supporters took over.
The game had to be sent to penalty shoot-outs to decide the 2009 champions. Kiaat missed two of their penalties, while Maroela only missed one. Maroela became the undefeated House League champions.
Boekenhout claimed the bronze medal after beating Taaibos 4-1 in the third and fourth place play-offs held earlier that day.
Well-known sports personalities such as former AmaTuks player, Tebogo Monyai, and Dennis Tshabalala, the Convener of the University Sport South Africa Gauteng Football League, attended the event.
