Barcelona too good for Mates

Tshiozwi Barcelona paved their way up the log when they silenced the much-feared Tshiozwi Mates 2-0 in a Gwasda Diski  U/13 league match at Tshiozwi on Saturday.

Barcelona took the game to Mates from the first whistle, with their midfielders demonstrating a spirit of commitment. They could have sealed the game within the first 10 minutes, but their strikers were not accurate in converting their obvious chances into goals.

Realizing that it would be difficult for them to match their opponents in terms of skills, Mates used their dribbling skills to neutralize them in the middle of the park. Mates were lucky not to concede half a dozen of goals during the first half, as they were out of touch in all departments.

Barcelona missed two clear chances in the first quarter of the match. Rirothe Manenzhe shot wide from close range after receiving a neat pass from Fhatuwani Lishivha. Shortly thereafter, Litshani Ndou released aimlessly from outside the box, much to the disappointment of the team’s supporters.

Barcelona finally broke the deadlock in the 65^thminute. It was their left flank, Sydney Netshifhefhe, who made things happen. His long-range shot left the Mates keeper flat-footed.

Both sides effected two changes in the last half. The replacements worked against Barcelona as they played the last stanza with their backs against the wall. Mates lost cohesion and Barcelona capitalised when Lutendo Nelwamondo scored the second goal after he finished off a square pass from Hulisani Ramavhale.

Date:25 October 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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