NFD wrap: Mbombela push to top of the table
Tingwenyama have put behind them their difficult start to the season and are now tied on points with National First Division log leaders, Stellenbosch FC at the top.
Mbombela United players celebrate a goal. (Photo by Luke Walker/Gallo Images)
The Nelspruit-based team have found their rhythm and started climbing up the log.
Ubuntu Cape Town FC were meanwhile forced to make changes to their technical team with Casey Prince being tasked with the job of rescuing the side who remain winless after eight matches. Prince was announced as Roger Links’ replacement on Monday after the former Cape Town Spurs player was shown the door following a string of poor results.
Mthatha Bucks 2 (S. Nhlabathi; S. Ntjolo) Cape Town All Stars 1 (B. Kama og)
Sakhele Nhlabathi and Sifiso Ntjolo were the heroes for Mthatha Bucks while Bongani Kama alamost became a villain as they beat Igugu leKapa. Nhlabathi and Ntjolo scored to hand Ian Palmer’s team the full points while Kama gave the visitors some hope with an own goal to equalise after Nhlabathi had just put Amathol’amnyama ahead in the first half. Bucks moved to within three points of the leaders.
Highlands Park 3 (P. Shalulile x2; Petros Ngebo) Super Eagles 0
The Lions of the North continued their good run under Owen Da Gama as they made easy meat of Super Eagles with Peter Shalulile scoring twice and Petros Ngebo also adding his name into the score sheet. Highlands are now fourth and two points behind leaders Stellenbosch.
Witbank Spurs 1 (T. Makhele) Ubuntu Cape Town 0
Tshakuma 1 (A. Nedzamba) Stellenbosch 0
Aluwani Nedzamba scored the winning goal to become a hero for Sello Chokoe’s team which ensured the three points remained Venda. TTM are now on 11 points and Chokoe has told Phakaaathi he wants to push for promotion. “Who said a new team cannot get promoted?,” asked Chokoe on Monday.
Witbank Spurs 1 (Thabo Makhele) Ubuntu CT 0
Thabo Makhele’s goal was enough to seal Ubuntu Cape Town FC coach Roger Links’ fate as he was axed after this result. Spurs needed the win after a run of poor results. Siyavutha are now ninth on the log with 10 points while Ubuntu remain bottom with just four.
Mbombela United 2 (T. Nhlaba; I. Masuku) Royal Eagles 1 (B. Komane)
Inky Masuku and Tshepo Ntlaba’s goals were enough to seal the full points for Tingwenyama at home while Eagles captain Boikanyo Komane tried to lead from the front with a goal but it was a little too late. Tingwenyama are now second on the log tied on 15 points with leaders Stellenbosch.
Richards Bay 1 (M. Gumede) Uthongathi 1 (S. Thwala)
Just like in the famous Soweto derby, this KwaZulu-Natal derby ended in a draw with Michael Gumede scoring for the Rich Boys while Siyabonga Thwala did the same for the Cane Cutters.
Jomo Cosmos 2 (C. Mulenga; T. Makobela) Real Kings 1 (S. Nzambe)
Ezenkosi took an early led when Clifford Mulenga scored from a Linda Mntambo pass but his effort w alter cancelled out by Sievy-Guexane Nzambe. But Ezenkosi were not done as Tebogo Makobela scored the winner to ensure the three points remain at Vosloorus Stadium and his team move up to sixth.
Pretoria University 0 Black Leopards 1 (M. Musonda)
Mwape Musonda’s first half goal was enough to seal Lidoda Duvha’s second win of the season, bringing to an end a dry spell. The win took Lidoda Duvha to 10th position while AmaTuks fell a place down to third.
