A historic win for United to claim the title after 4 years
Western United FC is a $100, 000 richer after they won the Telekom S-League championship defeating Koloale FC 4-2 in the grand final at the Lawson Tama Stadium, Monday.
Western United came from behind with two goals down to finish off with a 4-2 victory.
Koloale took the lead 2-0 in the first half from goals Rudy Anisi and an own goal by George Stevenson.
Joses Nawo struck in one for United before the half time break to make it 2-1.
Both teams came back with renewed energy after the break with Koloale searching to extend the lead and United to level the score.
United’s captain, Henry Fa’arodo leveled the score from a penalty kick which was shortly followed by Moffat Kilifa’s goal to take the lead.
This time it was Koloale who was forced to search for the equalizer which never came.
Before Koloale could find the equalizer, substitute Gagame Feni ended all hopes with United’s final and fourth goal.
This is history for United being their first ever title in the TSL Championship.
Since the start of the TSL Championship, Solomon Warriors was the only club who won the championship three times.
United’s coach, Commins Menapi was satisfied with the results admitting they had a slow start and a few mistakes from the start which resulted in Koloale’s two goals.
“We had a slow start but the boys finally picked up as time went on.
“I told the boys at half time break that the power to win the game is in their hands.
“They did what they were expected to do to win the match and I would like to congratulate them for all their efforts.
“I would also like to thank all the players and also the major sponsor Concrete Douglas for all their support,” he said.
His counterpart Marlon Houkarawa also applauded his boys for a good match despite the defeat.
He said the team had a weak link somewhere that resulted in the weak play later in the second half.
“We started off well with the lead but our play changed after United leveled the score.
“The boys were mentally affected by the equalizer and obviously there was a weak link somewhere.
“However I would like to thank the boys for putting up a good game against an experienced side like West United,” he said.
Koloale walked away with $80, 000 after the losing the match.
KOSSA in third and Solomon Warriors in fourth.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
