Football

(At Mayaluka Stadium)

L. Spurs........(1) 1

Mndeni 5^th

Madlenya......(0) 0

BIG BEND - The Mulasport National First Division kicked off with a pulsating double-header at Mayaluka Stadium in Big Bend, where hosts Lozitha Spurs faced Madlenya in the opening fixture, followed by Usuthu Liverpool against Magwanyana.

Under the blazing sun, the first match delivered an absorbing contest, with Lozitha Spurs securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a spirited Madlenya side.

The match began with an electric start from the hosts. Just five minutes in, Lozitha’s Mndeni Dlamini broke the deadlock, latching onto a pinpoint cross from Nicholus Simelane to fire home a clinical finish.

The early goal set the tone for an open, attacking game, with Lozitha exploiting the wings to create dangerous opportunities. Madlenya, however, were not without their chances, carving out several promising moves but struggling to find the decisive final pass.

As the half-hour mark approached, the sweltering heat began to take its toll, slowing the tempo of the game. A water break in the 23^rd minute offered both sides a chance to regroup.

Despite Madlenya’s persistence in attack, their efforts lacked precision, while Lozitha’s wing play continued to threaten without adding to their tally. The final five minutes of the half saw both teams trade half-chances, but the scoreline remained 1-0 in favour of the hosts at the break.

Madlenya emerged from the interval with renewed vigour, dominating the early exchanges of the second half. Within four minutes of the restart, they came agonisingly close to an equaliser, striking the side netting in what was their clearest opportunity yet.

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Lozitha Spurs’ Ncamiso Simelane tries to escape a challenge made by Madlenya’s Likhwa Myeni during the grand opening double header at Mayaluka, where Lozitha Spurs edged out Madlenya with a 1-0 scoreline. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)