Happy Fighters on top in local tournament

The 2-0 victory of Kurhuleni Happy Fighters over Phadziri FC in their Kurhuleni Soccer Challenge Tournament match at the Kurhuleni grounds on Saturday was not a true reflection of the game, as Phadziri missed numerous scoring chances.

Phadziri squandered two obvious scoring chances in quick succession. The volley of their left flank, Miyelani Khosa, hit the woodwork and the ball landed outside the field of play for a goal kick. Godfrey Marageni had his chance in the 19th minute, but his ground cutter went inches wide.

Happy Fighters recuperated and took the game to their opponents soon afterwards. Their efforts did not pass without reward as they were awarded a penalty in the 29th minute. Hlawutani Rikhotso was brought down within the box and the referee was quick to point at the white spot. Iris “Dario” Maphophe made no mistake with the penalty.

The score was 1-0 at the end of the first half. Phadziri were the first to introduce new faces. They replaced Rendani Munyai and Sbusiso Mcunu with Rendani Tshishonga and Mboweni Malwela respectively. Happy Fighters effected two changes to their starting lineup later in the last half. They replaced Tendani Magoda and Matimba Mashele with Mkateko Maphophe and Jacky Ndlovu respectively.

Jacky Ndlovu’s first touch of the ball gave rise to his side’s second goal. He deflected the ball into the net, following a long-range volley by Mpho Mmeke.

Date:22 August 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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