IN PHOTOS: Kruger United FC bags double wins at KaNyamazane Stadium

In a stunning display of football, Kruger United FC claimed two consecutive 2-0 victories over Upington City FC and Baroka FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship in the last week.

The back-to-back wins took place at the KaNyamazane Stadium, and secured Kruger United’s second spot in the league’s log standings.
Kruger United’s striker, Bright Ndlovu, scored three goals in the two games.

On Saturday, March 15, Thulani Ndlela opened this game against Upington City, scoring a goal in the 31st minute. Ndlovu scored the second one in the dying minute of the game. The two sides were evenly matched, but Upington City FC could not capitalise on their chances.
On Tuesday, March 11, Kruger United took the lead in the 38th minute with Ndlovu scoring a stellar goal against Baroka FC. However, the home side lead was short lived as Kruger United’s goalkeeper, Smiso Ndlela, received a red card just after half-time for handling the ball outside the 18-area box when Baroka scouted an equaliser.
However, Kruger United refused to back down as they were determined to secure all three points at home.

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In the 64th minute, Ndlovu sealed their fate with another goal assisted by Thabani Gumede.
This victory also marked Zama Dlamini’s 103rd appearance in the team. He has been a key player since joining the team and was honoured by the club before the match started. “To reach a hundred games was not easy for me since I started playing with Dennis Onyango, Wayne Sandilands and others. That generation was very classy. I am happy for the team and am grateful what they did for me,” said Dlamini.

Kruger United’s assistant coach, Nyiko Sibuyi, said the game was technical and they needed to be on high alert and concentrate on their defence. “Baroka FC had good middlefielders. We needed to be very alert and be early on the ball. We received our second red card in two weeks, but our substitutes gave a lot of energy and they pushed hard every time. The team did very well. There is no team that will leave with our points when we are playing at home.”
While the Baroka boys lost, they are determined to learn from their mistakes.

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“The boys did well, but it was just not our day today. We cannot fault them because football is like that. We missed our chances. We are learning a lot from our mistakes, and going forward we have to fight for the points. We lost 2-0 to Kruger United FC since they were a better team,” said Baroka FC’s fitness coach, Mothupa Mathari.
After their stellar run this past week, Kruger United reduced the gap between them and log leaders Durban City FC to six points.