Cape Town - Platinum Stars defeated University of Pretoria 3-2 on penalties to advance to the final of Mbombela Cup after Vukile Mngqibisa and Thabiso Nkoana missed their spot kicks, while Tintswalo Tshabalala netted the winning penalty for Dikwena at Mbombela Stadium.
Newly signed, Lennox Bacela was handed a start partnering Thabiso Nkoana up front for a new look AmaTuks attack for the new season.
Platinum Stars also introduced on loan striker, Bongi Ntuli, who came in at the start of the second half that saw Cavin Johnson make four chances with the match tied at goalless.
Amatuks produced several goal scoring chances with Nkoana and Thabo Mosadi squandering several opportunities.
Dikwena youngster, Kobamelo Kodisang, tested Washington Arubi in the 58th minute buy the Amatuks goalkeeper made a good save.
Mosadi also had a great effort parried away by Bouna Coundul in goals for Platinum Stars.
Platinum Stars missed a good chance to go ahead in the 70th minute after a penalty was given against Amatuks captain, Thabiso Monyai.
Vuyo Mere took the responsibility, but Arubi made the all-important save to stop the spot-kick from the Dikwena captain.
Cavin Johnson’s side came close to finally breaking the deadlock in the 72nd minute with Kodisang’s effort hitting the upright with Arubi well beaten.
The match ended goalless and headed straight to the penalty shootout.