*Caption: Corporal Zikhona Jaca of Area Military Health Unit (AMHU) on the ball during their clash against the Air Force

Written by: Mluleki Mdletshe

Two first half goals by Aphelele Mbunge and Sibonelo Dlamini were enough to earn the Area Military Health Unit (AMHU) a comfortable win over the Air Force in yesterday’s edition of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Winter Games final played on the 24^th of August.

The tournament was held in Hilimaya Sports Ground in Merebank and featured eight soccer teams from eight different military bases across the province.

Tournament organiser, Captain Ntuthuko Meyiwa said that the competition is aimed at keeping the SANDF fit and active during winter.

“It’s just another way of exercising for soldiers,” said Meyiwa.

Before the tournament kicked off, a ceremony was conducted (monitored by Major Sibonelo Dlamini) with the defence force’s march and drills on the field being displayed for the spectators and fans.

The AMHU defeated the Mtubatuba Navy by 3 goals to zero in the semi-finals before winning 2-1 in the final against the KZN Air Force.

Mtubatuba Navy won the last edition of the winter games which were held in May this year at the Bluff Military Base, defeating the AMHU 4 -3 in penalties.

Corporal Jay Mtshali who assisted in the organising of the event, says that the tournament also provides them (as management) a chance to select the players who will represent the KZN province in the SANDF Championship which features 8 other provinces of the South Africa.

“Once the Player of The Tournament gets chosen, he is selected automatically to play in the provincial championship, but we also select one or two more players who played well,” said Mtshali.

Mbunge, who won the Player of The Tournament Award, said that he is very excited to have won this award as well as winning the tournament.

“It’s great to play football because it can be very relaxing, we have tough training week coming up soon so it was good for us to come together play as a unit,” said Mbunge

Mbunge will later meet up with other players chosen to represent KZN in the SANDF Championships which will be held in the North West Province in November.