Birds bite dust in local derby

Makhitha Oscar Stars beat Makhitha Yellow Birds 1-0 in a Safa Vhembe MMK Administrators league match at Makhitha Saturday.

Birds had an opportunity for a goal in the opening minutes, but Takalani Mbekwa shot into the hands of the opponents´ keeper

Stars' misfortune continued in the 12^th minute, when Masala Tshimenze shot over the bar with only the keeper to beat. Khathutshelo Ramuedzisi of Birds was yellow-carded for a rough tackle a few minutes later.

In the 20^th minute, Chungu Sithelele of Birds’ well-timed shot missed the poles by a mere inch. The halftime score was still nil-nil.

The second half was war from the onset. Stars started the half at a very fast pace, giving their opponents no moment to breathe. The Birds should have scored in the 50^th minute, but their striker, Shumani Ravhandalala, hesitated for too long and the defender of the opposition sent the ball out.  

Stars' striker, Leavy Machaba, should have scored in 68^th minute, but his shot hit the crossbar and bounced back into the field of play. The keeper of Stars saved a sure goal from the boot of Obery Makhokha late in the match. The goal that separated the boys from the men was scored by Lwalima Ratombo.

Date:19 January 2018

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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