‘Long’ helps Northerns reserves win derby
He scored a hat-trick in the first half and added his fourth in the second half.
Northerns reserves striker Malose ‘Long’ Makhafola was at his frightening best when he scored four goals to help his team to a 5-2 victory in the derby against Old Bens reserves at Currin Park, on March 16.
It was an unforgiving performance from Makhafola, whose prayers were answered after he took a long stroll on the field before kneeling down on the centre mark to pray before kick-off.
“It gives me motivation. It’s a little thing I do before a game where I come in here to do a little prayer and make sure God is with us,” he said.
He scored his hat-trick in the first half before completing an exciting afternoon with his fourth goal in the second half.
It took him five minutes to get on the scoresheet when he latched onto a pass from deep to steer in past Shade Glautier.
Old Bens responded immediately through Jordan Taylor and then Tshepo Dimpe fired them into the lead after his shot bounced awkwardly in front of Northerns keeper Percy Suntsha to go in on the blindside.
But Northerns wrestled back control and Makhafola doubled his tally when he scored from a counter. The striker received from the centre, outmuscled Keegan Kerr and beat the keeper on his left, making it 2-2.
He secured his hat-trick when he sent Glautier the wrong way from the penalty spot after Josh Hurst fouled Sakhile Skhosana inside the box, as the match went into the break with Northerns leading 3-2.
The second half began with the same tempo as Northerns added two more goals to seal the win.
Makhafola continued being a nuisance to the Old Bens back four. He was fouled inside the box and this time, his skipper, Wandisile Seya stepped up to make it four from the spot.
The striker scored his fourth when he capitalised on Galutier’s mistake after the keeper passed the ball straight to Sello Tlaka in midfield.
Makhafola timed his movement well and Tlaka laid the ball perfectly as he scored his team’s fifth to ensure they grabbed all three points.
“I’m grateful. Thanks to the team and coach. It’s a good day. It’s the derby and the fans came out. It was good to come here and contribute towards the win and make sure we go back home with a win,” said Makhafola.
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