Panorama takes win at Gauteng Development League U19 encounter against Randburg

Mnotho Mthethwa’s second half goal decided the Ridge Derby in an exciting Gauteng Development League (GDL) U19 encounter between two of the most successful clubs in Rand Central.

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In a clash rooted in pride, passion, and history, Panorama FC hosted the Randburg FC (Blue Army) in a full slate of GDL fixtures. All age groups, from U13, to U19, were in action. After collecting 9 out of 12 points against Highlands in their last games, the Blue Army was hunting another successful away day, however, the host proved to be dominant on the day, opening with a 3–1 victory for the U13 fixture. Randburg U15s turned things around with a 0–1 win, but Panorama dominated the U17 fixture, easily winning 2–0.

It all came down to the U19 game, and Randburg came in, oozing with confidence, as they were top of the table and looking to continue their dominant run in the league.

The highly anticipated game kicked off in high gear, with both teams searching for the early goals. Both teams created big chances, but could not finish them off. The visitors started to get the upper hand, pressing Panorama on their own half, not giving them space to play out, but the home side never stopped, despite Randburg’s pressure. They kept on the ball, rotating it well, and stretching the visitors.

The big chance of the first half fell for Randburg’s William Maseko. The Blue Army were looking dangerous on the left flank, with the overlapping Onoisejiolagbon Okhiria always receiving the ball high in dangerous areas. After a good run, he played a perfectly weighed pass to Maseko, whose shot was bravely saved by the Panorama keeper. The rebound shot hit the cross bar, but, unfortunately, did not cross the goal line.

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That surely caused a scare for the hosts, as they came back a different side in the second half.
Both teams continued where they left off, creating chances and playing top football, keeping the fans entertained. Panorama continued to show resilience on the Randburg attack, as well as on a quick transition. The visitor’s Latita Buwa took one for the team, with a professional foul. With a freekick from the edge of the box, and Panorama’s hard-working midfielder Mnotho Mthethwa, it found the back of the net, to make the score 1–0, and win the game. The home side took all three points, and the bragging rights for dominating the derby day.

Panorama U19 coach Luyanda Gcabashe explained that both teams displayed quality football, and that’s what they want to see. “It was very technical. It was a game of two halves. First half, we were better, and ran better. Second half, you could see the change. We were overloading both sides. Then, they were dominating the game. We had to suffer a little bit, up until we managed to get back into the game.”

He added that playing a derby at home motivated them. “I told them: ‘We are playing at home. Let us use home advantage. Let us play with arrogant attitudes, bully them on the field, make sure we take control of the game, win first ball, everything’. Because I know our crowd, they are always behind us.”

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