The Soccer Boot: Weekend Soccer Review

By Desmond Nleya

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Soccer Boot, where we review the highs, lows, and drama of football from home and abroad.

Local League Action
Highlanders Football Club continues to falter, sinking deeper into relegation after a 1-0 loss to their affluent neighbors, FC Platinum. Meanwhile, their bitter rivals, Final, finally climbed to 16th place after five months in 17th, securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Triangle United.

Top of the Table Drama
At the summit, the battle between the league’s wealthy heavyweights continues. The two “rich brothers” clashed to a 0-0 stalemate, keeping Simba Bhora at the top of the log, tied on 53 points with newcomers, Scotland.

South African Highlights
Joy was all around for Orlando Pirates fans as the Buccaneers defeated Stellenbosch 3-0 in extra time to lift the MTN Cup, a thrilling moment for South African football.

European Action
Across the seas, Manchester United remains in crisis, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City with no solution in sight. Liverpool managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley, while perennial title favorites, affectionately nicknamed “Netflix FC” by rivals, comfortably beat Nottingham Forest 3-0.

Juventus continues their resurgence with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Inter Milan, while defending champions Napoli also kept their title hopes alive with a crucial win.

For Barcelona supporters, it was a weekend to celebrate: the main branch of Barcelona demolished Valencia 6-0. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s English branch also won 3-0. The only disappointment came from Inter Milan’s U.S. branch, which lost 3-0, with Messi missing a Panenka penalty.

Looking Ahead
All eyes now turn to the Champions League—expect goals, drama, and heartbreak as Europe’s elite clash on the biggest stage.