Mbombela United back to their winning ways

A late solitary cracker by Tshediso Patjie reduced the mounting pressure on Mbombela United coach, Vusi Mkhatshwa when his side beat Jomo Cosmos 1-0 in a National First Division encounter at KaNyamazane Stadium on Saturday.

Patjie struck when some Tingwenyama supporters were starting to howl at their own players.
Their play looked directionless, even when Ezenkosi were one man down following the sending off of their striker, Mxolisi Machuphu, in the first half. The introduction of veteran Zambian national, Clifford Mulenga by Mkhatshwa brought some life into United’s play as they started to look composed, playing with intent and dictating their opponents.

And when Patjie struck the stunner, which left Clement Ramakgasha sprawling in goals, the writing was on the wall. The win over Cosmos was United second successive victory at home having beaten University of Pretoria 3-1 last Wednesday.

Bongani Ndlovu scored a brace while Siyethemba Mnguni, who limped off the pitch against Cosmos with a hamstring injury, converted the spot kick to win all three points against AmaTuks for the home side.

With Tingwenyama’s next league fixture coming up after the two-week Fifa break when they visit Black Leopards at Thohoyandou Stadium on November 19, Mnguni is expected back to boost Mkhatshwa’s troops. The local side seem to battle away from home as they came to Saturday’s game having lost two consecutive away games – 2-0 to Amazulu and 2-1 to Mthatha Bucks respectively.

Mkhatshwa attributes his players’ failure to collect maximum points away from home to mental strength. “The way we started the season away from home might affect the boys mental preparation.

“We need to work on their mental strength so that they can’t win away from home,” said Mkhatshwa, who had to rush off soon after the game to Tshwane to attend a coaching course.

Mkhatshwa is spot-on. His Tingwenyama side are yet to collect maximum points in their first five away games they have played to date – losing four and drawing one.

This is contrary to their last season’s fairy tale when they were more dominant away from home. Tingwenyama’s next game will be away against Black Leopards on November 19.