11 June 2018 – Berea FC defeated arch-rivals Wayeni Sea Robbers 2-1 in their Vhembe SAB League Champ of Champs semi-final in Makhuvha Stadium yesterday, Sunday 10 June, to set up a tournament decider against Tshakhuma Ro na Ndilani.
The Stream F champions had an impressive group stage performance eliminating Tshivhilidulu Hungry Lions and Ficus by beating them 1-0 and 5-0 respectively at Malamulele Stadium on Saturday.
Pfariso Mukoma was Berea’s hero in front of goal on Sunday, scoring two first half goals in three minutes in a match the Niani based giants fairly dominated.“It was a good performance from everyone, we did a really good job,” captain Mukoma said.
It was a second meeting in a knockout match in 2018 between these two giants. They first met in Thohoyandou Stadium on 21 March, for a Vhembe Mayoral Cup quarter-final clash. Berea advanced to the semis by winning the penalty shootouts following a one-all draw after regular time.
“Coming into the game, we knew their strengths and weaknesses,” Berea Head Coach Rofhiwa Muligwe said.
“Our plan was to get a goal before they do because they are a team that likes to keep most of the possession and not allow their opponents any time on the ball. Scoring first would disrupt their normal game play and cause them to panic for an equaliser. Before they knew it, we were two up and we shut our back doors which we are very good at.”
The result sees Berea square off against fellow heavyweight Tshakhuma Ro na Ndilani in Sunday’s final in Thohoyandou.
The youthful TRON defeated one of the tournament favourites Mpheni Home Defenders in the penalty shootouts following a goalless stalemate in the other semi-final.