Amazing victory for Joe Maweja

Mulisa Luvhengo of TTM hooks the ball, while Omphulusa Masotsha of Maweja pulls him back.

Amazing victory for Joe Maweja

After losing their previous home match against Polokwane United at the Tshifulanani Stadium two weeks ago, Joe Maweja rose to the occasion and beat Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) 1-0 in their ABC Motsepe League match at the same venue last Saturday.

Although Maweja had only one regular player, Khongotela Mahlaule, in their starting line-up, they managed to match the home boys pound for pound from the onset to the end. As if they were going to bury Maweja alive, TTM approached the game aggressively with their strikers, Rendani Dzivhani and Shandukani Mabirimisa, giving the defenders of Maweja no time to breathe.

The keeper of Maweja, Eugene Mbedzi, was a marvel to watch. Mbedzi made his presence felt by saving several sure goals in the first half. He braved Rendani Dzivhani’s shot and palmed the ball away for a corner kick in the 24^th minute. Although TTM were dictating terms, Maweja refused to die and managed to keep their opponents at bay until half time. Maweja effected a change to their original team when they introduced Khumbudzo Muvhango for Takalani Mashila five minutes into the last half.

Muvhango formed a deadly combination with Thanzi Muruge and Talifhani Mphaphuli at the forefront. Victor Makhaukhau of TTM was warned for dangerous play in the 59^th minute. He repeated the same offence ten minutes afterwards and he was given his marching orders.

TTM made two replacements in the 74^th minute. That did not stop Maweja from scoring a goal that earned them three vital points. Thanzi Muruge beat the offside trap and unleashed a ground cutter. The keeper of TTM, Nditsheni Sigaba, watched helplessly as the ball went beyond his reach. Muruge pulled off his T-shirt while celebrating his goal and he was cautioned with a card for that.

Humbelani Nemasetoni of Maweja controls the ball while Victor Makhaukhau of TTM is focused on the ball.

Humbelani Nemasetoni of Maweja (right) and Victor Makhaukhau of TTM wrestle to win the loose ball.

The referee, Mr Christopher Mugeri, instructs the players of TTM to keep a safe distance from the injured player of Maweja, Thanzi Muruge (down).

Victor Makhaukhau of TTM leaves the pitch after seeing red.

Date:09 February 2017

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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