Artists too clever for Stars

Khuliso Bulannga of Seven Stars controls the ball after winning it from Mushe Luvhimbi.

Artists too clever for Stars

United Artists continued to pave their way up by beating Thembaluvhilo Seven Stars 2-0 in their MMK Funeral Services League match at the Lufule grounds on Sunday.

Seven Stars were lucky not to concede more goals during the first half. Their defenders spent the better part of the first half running for cover. It was their keeper, Chanah Matshete, who denied United Artists numerous sure goals. Matshete advanced out of the penalty area to block Thomas Makhubele’s way. At that stage, Makhubele was on the brink of unleashing.

Seven Stars were the first to effect a change to their starting line-up. Their technical staff was forced to replace the injured Sylvester Ndou with Khuliso Bulannga in the 25th minute.

The home side was awarded a free kick in the 34th minute. Mashudu Tshitahe beat the keeper with a half-volley from the set piece. As if they were the leaders, Seven Stars continued to play defensive football, even after conceding a goal.

The Artists’ overlapping defender, Witness Mudologi, forced his way through the defence of Seven Stars and suffered the pain of watching his close-range attempt missing the target by inches. Seven Stars started to play like a team in the last half, but it was difficult for them to find their way through the solid defence of Artists.

United Artists increased the margin in the 67th minute. Mushe Luvhimbi blasted in a rocket, following a brilliant pass by Thomas Makhubele. Artists replaced Mashudu Tshitahe and Samuel Mathebula with Dakalo Ravhura and Tshifhiwa Munyai respectively. Seven Stars were reduced to 10 men in the 78th minute after Ngaene Nemushungwa was given his marching orders for swearing at the referee.

Khuliso Bulannga of Seven Stars makes a sharp turn with the ball, while Mushe Luvhimbi of Artists is on his heels.

Jeffrey Mungoni of United Artists protects the ball.

Samuel Mathebula of United Artists kicks the ball.

Date:17 April 2014

By: Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990. He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

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