Richards Bay humiliate TTM

Khethowakhe Masuku of TTM jumps over Sandile Mthethwa of Richards Bay.

Richards Bay humiliate TTM

Richards Bay FC proved that they are serious about escaping relegation at the end of the season by beating Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) 1-0 in their National First Division League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

The home side approached the game like a house on fire, with their midfielders, Lesedi Kapinga and David Mathebula, making things happen in the middle of the park.

David Mathebula was the first player to go into the referee’s book. He obstructed the former Black Leopards dribbling wizard, Sphelele Mkhulise, and the Port Elizabeth referee, Mr Siyabulela Qunta, was quick to flash yellow. TTM came close to scoring in the 18^th minute. Their centre forward, Aluwani “Killer” Nedzamba, went loose from the right corner and unleashed a half volley from the edge of the box. The ball missed the target by inches.

The home side squandered another obvious scoring opportunity six minutes before the end of the first half. Themba Ndlovu forced his way through the defence of Richards Bay and tried his luck with a ground cutter. The ball went far wide. No goal was scored in the first half, despite numerous attempts by the TTM’s strikers.

TTM strengthened their midfield by introducing Gift Nemutandani, who replaced Khethowakhe Masuku. TTM realized that it was not their day when their overlapping defender, Mahlatse Mhlabine, missed two scoring chances in quick succession. The wheel of fortune turned in favour of Richards Bay when Stanley Muishid beat the keeper with a close-range ground cutter.

The visitors from KZN abandoned their positions and started to play defensive football after scoring the goal. TTM were reduced to 10 men in the 74^th minute when their right back, Tshepo Makgoka, saw red for dangerous play.

Instead of capitalizing on the setback, Richards Bay continued to play defensive football until the final whistle was blown.

TTM’s midfielder, Khethowakhe Masuku, controls the ball.

Thabo Ralebakeng of Richards Bay (right) and Gift Nemutandani of TTM wrestle to win the ball.

Aluwani “Killer” Nedzamba of TTM chases the ball.

Date:22 March 2018

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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