NIGEL – Cambridge Football Club (Bridges) played a double-header on January 24 and 25 as part of the Hollywood Bets Ekurhuleni League.

The rescheduled matches made up for league fixtures previously postponed due to bad weather, giving the team a busy and competitive weekend on the field.

On January 24, Bridges hosted Germiston Ash Fire at MacKenzieville Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Bridges scored first when Mthusi Mqele could find the back of the net.

Cambridge struggled with attacking, was lethargic, and lacked energy. The visiting team was full of energy and attacked Cambridge’s defence.

Ash Fire did all the play, but failed to convert their dominance into scoring opportunities. The second half was much the same affair, as Cambridge players struggled to gain momentum and defended their slender lead.
Ash Fire scored the equaliser close to the end of the match.

“Bridges needed the win to stay in contention with the top three teams on the log,” said coach Kamohelo Matloung.

Bridges played their second match on January 25, when they hosted Waki Royals from Katlehong. Waki Royals are on the bottom half of the Hollywood Bets log.

Cambridge dominated the play and created scoring opportunities, but failed to convert them into goals in the first half. In the second half, the Bridges team came out firing and were clinical in front of the goalposts.

The pressure was put into scoring opportunities when striker Oupa Junior Pa Mbokazi kept the ball away from the goalkeeper to score the opening goal. Cambridge dominated possession and circulated the ball smoothly, but Waki didn’t go down without a fight.

Cambridge added a second goal with a build-up team goal that was tapped in by Kgomolemo Mbele, making the scoreline 2-0 in Cambridge’s favour.

ALSO CHECK: New opportunities as Heidelberg Hockey Club gears up for 2026

Waki pushed men forward as Cambridge went to sleep. In the 75th minute, Waki Royals pressured the home team and scored their first goal. With one minute left in the match, they scored the equaliser. The final score was 2-2.

“We dropped points at home, and my players failed to concentrate in the closing stages of both games.

“It is disappointing, and we have to work on their mentality because what happened this weekend is unacceptable. It has put a dent in our plans to qualify for playoff spots.

“I’m deeply disappointed that our home fans can turn on us and support the visiting teams on both occasions. It is heartbreaking, but the boys have to man up and take responsibility to bounce back,” said Matloung.

“For the first time in my leadership role at the club, I’m lost for words. I can only support my coaching staff and players to keep their heads up and show the community that we’re not in this league by chance but worked to be there, and will do better next time to represent them,“ said Ignatius Maphike, Cambridge FC chairperson.