MMK League game abandoned

The MMK Administrators Soccer League game between Ngwenani Young Chiefs and Mbilwi New Generation at the Ngwenani grounds on Saturday was not played to the finish.

New Generation were leading 1-0 when the referee unexpectedly blew the final whistle.

The visitors from Mbilwi approached the game aggressively, giving the opposition's defenders no time to breathe. Although they were in full control of the game, Generation were the first to effect change to their starting line-up. They introduced Rotondwa Mukhavhuli and sacrificed Thivhusiwi Muvhuso 14 minutes into the game.

Generations threatened to score in the 18^th minute after Nthangeni Makungo received a neat pass from Takalani Dzivhani and unleashed from just outside the penalty box. The ball missed the target by inches, disappointing the fans who were already celebrating.

The visitors did not stop fighting, despite the disappointment. They continued to fight as a collective, creating some dangerous moves from behind. They finally opened their account in the 34^th minute. Takalani “Adibayo” Dzivhani beat the offside trap and sent the keeper the wrong way.

The goal was a wake-up call to the home side. They effected two changes to their original squad in quick succession. Mbilwi later replaced Nkhumbuleni Razwimisani, who made way for his brother, Funanani.

The teams went for the half time break without any sign that the game would be abandoned.  An argument ensued between the referee, Mr Ronewa Managa, and the officials of Young Chiefs shortly before the second half kicked off over the referee’s travelling fee.

The officials argued that the match official was not entitled to get a full travelling fee of R200 per team, since he did not have any assistant referee with him. They insisted that he should take the R100 which they offered him. Realizing that the officials were not willing to move an inch from their stance, Managa blew the final whistle, packed his bags and left the place.

Date:02 June 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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