‘AMABHUBESI’ HOLD WASTEFUL MATSAPHA

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

Matsapha........................... (0) 1
Sifiso Maseko 58th
Red Lions.......................... (1) 1
Mthokozisi Hlatshwako 12th

LOBAMBA – Whatever misgivings that were there about the 14-team Premier League, one thing has emerged though and that is, the level of competition has risen.

There are no more easy games.
Matsapha United, who last week got rave reviews for an emphatic 2-0 win over Royal Leopard, were yesterday held by a Red Lions side that was put to the sword by Manzini Sundowns in the opening week of the season. Yesterday’s 1-all draw at the Somhlolo National Stadium entrenched the assertion that there will be no more foregone conclusions in this year’s campaign.

Amabhubesi were a completely changed opposition yesterday, boosted by the signing of South African striker Katlego Piana and former Manzini Sundowns goalkeeper Jim Knowledge. They came with a clear game plan against the fluid passing Matsapha United, who appeared to be missing the injured skipper Menzi Mamba in midfield. Coach Dumisani ‘DU’ Makhanya entrusted Mthokozisi Nkambule with policing playmaker Vusumuzi Zungu, to stifle the ‘Deep Blue Ocean’s creativeness.

The plan aided the visitors’ course as they took an early lead through their own playmaker Mthokozisi Hlatshwako, 12 minutes into the game, punishing a goalkeeping howler by butter fingers Khanyakwezwe Shabalala, who spilt a harmless low cross from Muntu Mamba.  

The pint sized Hlatshwako easily stabbed the loose ball home for a shocking lead. It could have been 2-0, but Mthokozisi Nkambule headed wide at 10 yards in what was a defensive mix-up between Jimoh Moses and Khanyakwezwe.

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