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In Mthatha, 16 teams locked horns in the sweltering heat for a spot in the last eight at the International School and Rotary grounds. At dusk, when the cheering crowds’ noises had subsided, only eight teams remain, earning their places in today’s quarter-finals.
The last eight teams are local favourites, Happy Brothers, Mdlondlo All Nations, Zimbali Killers, Bityi All Stars, Bizana Lucky Stars, Nqwise United, Nzamba United and Young Chiefs. Happy Brothers have among their ranks, Sibusiso Mapompo, popularly known as Popo, who had a stint with relegated PSL outfit Jomo Cosmos.
In Queenstown’s Indoor Sports Centre, former Bay United ball wizard Sesethu Mthakathi, turning out for Lady Fre United, had the crowds on their feet as his enthralled them with his dribbling skills. Mthakathi and his teammates have progressed to the last eight, where they join Mighty Cosmos, Holy Kings, Green lovers, Amathole United, Roman Callies, Morning Stars and local favourites Zola Sundowns.
"Given the fact that yesterday was the first day of the tournament, I think we had a good attendance. Most fans had gone to church for the Easter ceremony. But today, I believe that it will be a full house. We are expecting numbers to pick from yesterday’s attendance of a thousand fans to around three thousand," says Mzi Mndlelo, Queenstown’s tournament organiser.
In Idutywa’s Ngumbela stadium, things are also expected to hot up this afternoon, with the first round of 16 participating teams only scheduled for today.Teams played friendly matches yesterday.
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