South Africa claimed their second sporting title within five days thanks to a 4-3 penalty shootout victory against Zambia in the Castle Cup final on Wednesday.
The success of Bafana Bafana following a goalless draw in the central city came five days after the Springboks lifted the Rugby World Cup with a 15-6 triumph over England in Paris.
Many success-starved South African soccer followers were hoping the 'Boks would inspire a national soccer team that won the southern Africa championship just once in 10 previous attempts.
PHOTO: AFP
And a Bafana side lacking their Europe-based professionals rose to the occasion, hitting the woodwork twice against opponents who settled for a shootout long before full-time.
The penalty contest went the 10-kick distance with livewire midfielder Teko Modise fittingly converting the kick that brought the Castle Cup back to South Africa after a four-year absence.
Israel-bound Thembinkosi "Terror" Fanteni, Bevan Fransman and Simphiwe Tshabalala also converted spot kicks for Bafana after the first from Brett Evans was saved by Kennedy Mweene.
Ian Bakala, Kampamba Chintu and Mweene were the successful Zambian penalty takers, while Rainford Kalaba had his attempt saved by Moeneeb Josephs and James Chamanga blazed over.
Goalkeeper Josephs, who did not have a serious save to make during regulation time, was a fired-up captain, even resorting to cricket-style sledging against the Zambian penalty takers.
South Africa, seeking revenge for a 3-1 home loss to Zambia in a African Nations Cup qualifier last month, attacked from the kickoff.
Bamuza Sono, son of South African soccer legend Jomo Sono, wasted a good early chance, firing tamely at Mweene after a superb Fanteni pass split the defense.
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