KPFC beats Randburg in ILFA League match
The ILFA Super League reserves, who had never gained a point against Randburg, beat them 2-1.
Kempton Park Football Club’s first team in the ILFA League hosted Randburg on Saturday and came out winners 2-1.
Kempton welcomed back midfield stalwart Dion Homela who proved to be incredibly influential during the entire match.
Things began cautiously with both defences dominating, allowing no chances in the first 20 minutes. A midfield tussle led to an inordinate number of free kicks being awarded by an increasingly erratic referee who seemed to be of the opinion that football was a non-contact sport.
This being said, Kempton finally made a breakthrough when Tso Sello was unceremoniously hacked down on the right-hand flank after mesmerising the Randburg defence. Sello stood up and launched an exquisite ball into the box where striker Zivai Verenga rose smartly and flicked his header just inside the left hand upright.
Kempton took the bull by the horns after taking the lead and complete midfield dominance by Homela and KG Ramoghoase nullified any threat Randburg attempted to pose.
When a Thato Dlamini centre was handled by the Randburg centre back under pressure from Verenga, a penalty was awarded. Verenga stepped up and drove his 10th goal in four games into the bottom left-hand corner.
With seconds to go, Randburg was given a contentious penalty which halved the deficit. Too little too late for them and Kempton Park deservedly took the points.
The ILFA Super League reserves had never in their history gained a point against Randburg but this crop of young players saw off their illustrious counterparts 4-1 in a performance that belied their youth and gave hope to the future of Kempton seniors.
Kempton opened the scoring 16 minutes into the first half when Given Maredi flew down the right before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the left side of the net. Just before half-time, Paballo Ngcobi, who was the star of the show once again, put Mayisa in to easily side foot home.
The second half proved how good this side could be with the Randburg midfield at sixes and sevens and unable to manage the relenting Kempton Park pressure. Thato Dlamini sprinted from his own half and latched onto a long clearance, leaving a floundering Randburg full back in his wake before calmly side-footing home from the edge of the box.
Kempton’s fourth was the end result of a magnificent passing display that was finished off at close range by Mayisa.
Randburg did respond with five minutes left when the referee pointed to the spot after a rash challenge. The penalty was tucked away but the league will surely sit up and take notice of such an emphatic win over a local football powerhouse.
