Loyo Stars’ opening goal was supposed to set the stage for a tough game for Gomtown Boyz FC in the Hollywoodbets Regional League, but Gomtown quickly answered with two goals, then added three more in the second half to complete a 5–1 rout at the Alex Safe Hub on October 3.

When Loyo Stars’ Asithandile Mtozini drew first blood in the opening minutes, it spelled trouble for Gomtown, a side in need of redemption against their rivals. Gomtown lost 3–1 to them in February, then shared the spoils in a 2–2 stalemate in May.

The raging question going into this regional league encounter was whether Gomtown would finally settle the score against a rival that has proven tough to beat.

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Gomtown’s assistant coach Rendani Mavhungu said they knew it was not going to be an easy game. “If you check last season, they were giving us a tough time, but this day we told ourselves that we have to push and bring back the glory. We need the three points,” he said.

They secured the points after Tholumuzi Dumakude rescued the game with an equaliser, setting the stage for a series of unanswered goals. Luyolo Mzalamba, recently honoured with the Golden Boot as the club’s top goal scorer last season, put his side 2–1 up. Dumakude, Koketso Duiker and Nkululeko Ntshingila then completed the decisive 5–1 victory.

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“We have prepared for this game since Monday,” said Mavhungu, “and the guys were all over them. It shows their hunger for this win.”

The win is Gomtown’s second of the season, after a 3–0 victory over league newcomers Raiders FC in their opening match on September 24. Mavhungu said they have had a good start to the season and are gunning to keep collecting maximum points in the upcoming fixtures.

More than most clubs, Gomtown knows the pain of dropping the ball. Last season, they narrowly missed promotion, finishing second, just under Rangers FC. At the club’s awards ceremony in August, player Lebogang Dolo urged his teammates to stay dedicated, noting that it is up to them if they want the league.

Mavhungu said that is exactly what they are planning for. “This season we are planning for the promotion. That is why when we are at the gym, our aim is to win the league. That is why they are giving all their effort for the game,” he said.

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