Narrow defeat for Tshakhuma RO Utd

Hundreds of Tshakhuma residents braved the scorching sun to watch their home team, Tshakhuma RO United, beat the pace setters, Rockers FC, 1-0 in their MMK Funeral Service League match at the Tshakhuma Malaria grounds on Sunday.

The game was characterized by dangerous tackles, despite the fact that the referee, Mr Mphireni Mphephu, did not let any of the evildoers go unpunished.

Rockers‘ leading scorer, Emmanuel Neswiswi, was the first player to go into the referee’s book. He obstructed the United left back, Vhulondo Khaume, and Mphephu took no time to produce a yellow card. Rockers continued to display their rough skills even after the incident. That resulted in the referee's warning another Rockers’ player, Rofhiwa Kutame, with a card in the 18th minute. Vhulondo “Boulo” Khaume of United was also booked for a dangerous tackle in the 59th minute.

As if they were leading, United played defensive football for the better part of the first half. At that stage, the visitors from Makwarela were raiding their danger area without luck. The goal that earned United the three vital points came in the 36th minute. Takalani Ratshilima headed home after the keeper of Rockers, Ndivhuwo Musie, abandoned his position and advanced outside the penalty area to assist his defenders.

Rockers fought the last 20 minutes of the game with their hands tied behind their backs. Their fast forward, Emmanuel Neswiswi, was given his marching orders, following a second bookable offence. The players of Rockers were not happy with the referee’s decision. They confronted him angrily, accusing him of favoritism.

The situation came back to normal after one of them, Thanyani Ramaphosa, was also reprimanded with a card for a continued argument with the referee. Rofhiwa Kutame of Rockers was lucky not to be given an early shower. He tackled Mulisa Luvhengo from behind and Mphephu was lenient enough not to give him his marching orders.

Date:20 March 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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