Defenders and Artists draw in controversial play-off

The MMK Administrators play-off match between Mpheni Home Defenders and United Artists ended in chaotic circumstances at the Rabali Stadium on Saturday.

It finished in a goalless draw.

Defenders approached the match like a house of fire, with their midfielders distributing excellent passes to their strikers. They threatened to score after only 10 minutes, when Dakalo Muhali forced his way through the defence and passed the ball to Khumbudzo Muvhango. His attempt missed the target.

In the second half, Artists abandoned their positions and packed themselves at the far back. Defenders’ midfielders hesitated for too long and did not release the ball on time to the goal poachers.

Dakalo Muhali of Defenders handled the ball inside of his penalty area, and the referee pointed to the white spot. Emmanuel Neswiswi of Artists failed to convert from the white spot as the keeper of Defenders, Calton Munyai, saved the penalty.

Rendani Ncube of Defenders forced his way through the defence of Artists and released a rocket from outside, but it went wide.

The match then stopped for almost 20 minutes when one supporter of Defenders went straight to the keeper of Artists, Makhubele Ntsako and a fist fight started.Ntsako was allegedly injured, and the referee instructed the officials of Artists to replace him. They refused, however, and he then blew the final whistle.

Date:14 June 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.

Read: 461