By Mgcini Dube | 2025-03-11

Victorious Royal Leopard coach Edwin 'Porto' Matsebula says getting the trophy would be a great reward to them, considering their opponents leading to the finals.
Matsebula, who was beaming with joy, said this after watching his side record yet another slender 1-0 win over rivals Young Buffaloes at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.
The police side's outspoken gaffer described their journey to the finals as one of the most rocky and challenging, hence he was of the view that they deserved to be crowned champions.
"As we look back from where it all started, we are really proud of ourselves. God should just reward us with just the trophy; we have given it our best.
“To tell you the truth, we played the finals in the last 16 clash against Green Mamba.
That was the defining moment and that is where I started believing in it. It has not been easy but we managed."
The former Vovovo coach appreciated his boys for showing so much courage and character when it mattered the most.

"I can't thank them enough; I can always count on them. Coming to the game, it was not easy in the first half. We were very cautious, it was for that reason that I made changes and the game picked up pace. We will remain disciplined and prepare for the finals," he said.
Young Buffaloes coach Dominic Kunene was brief in his comments, only stating that their major letdown on the day was not scoring, otherwise he did not blame his boys for the loss.
"That's the nature of the game; if you don't take chances you will be punished. We did everything right to give us the goal, but it was not to be.
“We will remain united though.

Congratulations to Leopard, they gave us a good game."
Leopard are 90 minutes away from getting their name engraved on the Ingwenyama Cup Knockout Tournament trophy for the first time ever.
For Buffaloes, the defeat was a replica of what happened last season, as they were knocked out at the same stage by Green Mamba, who beat them 3-2 at Somhlolo National Stadium.

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