United dig their spurs in for victory
Zambian international Clifford Mulenga produced a man-of-the match performance as he scored a hat-trick
Mbombela United claimed the Mpumalanga bragging rights when they ruthlessly beat their provincial rivals, Witbank Spurs 5-1 in a National First Division encounter held at KaNyamazane Stadium on Saturday.
Zambian international Clifford Mulenga produced a man-of-the match performance as he scored a hat-trick while Bongani “Ronaldo” Ndlovu scored a brace.
Siyavutha as Spurs are known, were the first to score through Bongane Mathebula in a thrill-a-minute encounter. Mathebula scored from a spot kick after Zolani Nkombela had been judged to have handled the ball inside the box.
Their celebration was, however, short lived as Tingwenyama equalised from the spot kick through Mulenga.
This was after Spurs goalkeeper, Buti Khoza, had brought down Ndlovu inside the box. Since Milton Dlamini took over the reins at Tingwenyama, the local side have yet to taste defeat and are playing the football they have been known for.
The players appear to be happy and understanding Dlamini’s coaching philosophies. In the four league games the former Thanda Royal Zulu assistant coach to Neil Tovey, he has been in charge, Tingwenyama have won two and drawn two.
View Gallery:
They are not to taste a defeat at home. He has also guided the team to the Nedbank Cup last-32 after beating Real Kings 2-1 last Wednesday.
At some moments against Spurs, Tingwenyama did put up a good showing and creating glorious chances, which was appreciated by the decent crowd which attended the game.
Mulenga, which was at some points under ex-coach Vusi Mkhatshwa was booed by his team fans, pulled the string in the midfield frustrating Doctor Skhosana and Peter Mubayiwa, who had a nightmare game.
The win moves Tingwenyama to fifth place with 20 points after 14 games. Spurs are in fourth place with 21 points after 14 games. Thanda Royal Zulu lead the standings with 32 points after 14 games.
United will hope to close the year on a high when they visit FC Cape Town at NNK Rugby Stadium on Saturday while Spurs will host Real Kings at Puma Rugby Stadium in Emalahleni on the same day before going into Christmas recess.
They will resume on February 12 when they visit log leaders Royals at Umhlathuze Sports Complex while Spurs visit Magesi at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
