Maties Football were triumphant against FN Rangers after clinching the ABC Motsepe Nedbank Cup 4-2 on penalties at Lentelus in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
The road to the final was smooth for the Maroon Machine, landing easy victories in the two preceding games to the final.
QF: Maties 1-0 Hout Bay United
Goal by Clarke
SF: Maties 2-0 Eagle Performance Academy
Goals by Mahlalela
After a difficult first half, Maties were able to dig deep and put in a valiant effort with many chances on goal but nothing could break the deadlock. The team then had to settle with penalties and came out victorious.
Final: Maties 0-0 FN Rangers
Extra time score: Maties FC 0-0 FN Rangers
Penalties:
Maties FC 
FN Rangers
After the win, Head Coach Desmond Crowie had this to say: “I think we started off very slowly, the first half wasn’t the team that I know that can play – we had a go at them at halftime. In the second half they played much better and much like the team that I am so proud of. The players were shellshocked in the beginning because it was a very big game for us and one of great magnitude. For them to grow like that in the second half, I must take my hat off to them – they showed individual character and overall team character so I am quite happy with the performance from the second half onwards.”
Crowie sang praises of local player Baardman for his standout performance throughout the Nedbank Cup and for his leadership attributes: “We converted one of our local players, Jacqwien Baardman from a right back to a centre back. I think over the period of the competition, he has been a standout player for us, it isn’t only playing wise – he is a leader when it comes to training, he never misses so his character shows when it comes to matchdays. That is what we are trying to cultivate with our players,” he said.
By Kimara Singh
