Defenders on top in controversial match

The current log leaders of Stream E of the MMK Administrator’s League, Mpheni Home Defenders, deposited three important points into their league account on Sunday. They beat Madombidzha Western Stars 1-0 in a closely contested match.

The match started 35 minutes late, after Stars lodged a protest with the referee, Mr Eric Munyai, that two players of Defenders, Isaac Makhuvha and Emmanuel Lisoga, were not properly registered.

When the match eventually started, the players of Western Stars abused countless scoring opportunities. Stars approached the game aggressively, with their strikers, Percy Munonoka and Maanda Magoro, invading the opponents’ danger area from time to time. That forced the Defenders to abandon their positions to assist their shaky defence.

Stars started to display their rough skills in a bid to neutralize the opponents after Defenders took control of the game. The referee flashed yellow cards and two of the Stars defenders, Thabo Mamburu and Mushoni Leaka, were booked for dangerous tackles in quick succession.

The keeper of Stars, Tshimangdzo Masala, kicked the opponents' striker, Ndaedzo “Let them Dance” Mareda, deliberately and the referee pointed to the white spot. The game stopped for almost 10 minutes when an official of Stars went onto the pitch to argue with the referee and accused him of being biased. Melvin Mabatha scored from the spot.

Lucky Musutha of Stars should have equalised, but his shot was palmed away by the keeper. The half-time score was 1-0 in favour of Defenders.

Stars made two replacements in the second half. They introduced Thabo Matuba and Aluwani Nedzamba. The replacements did not change the complexion of the game, as the host team continued fight like a team. Maanda Magoro came within reach, but unleashed prematurely, instead of moving a few steps towards the keeper.

The game stopped again for almost five minutes when the assistant referee alleged that he had been beaten by Stars official and he was moved to the other side of the field.

Date:27 February 2015

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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