photo gallery: Mapulaneng United v/s Mbombela Uinted (0-2)

Zolani man of the match

Mbombela United’s come back

Inky and Msizi on for the ball against three Mapulaneng players.

Mbombela was out to face a very tough and significant game after their first loss of the season to East High Academy the week before last. United travelled to Thulamahhashe to face Mapulaneng United FC of which was not going to be an easy game. Mbombela indeed managed to come back and retained its dignity also made their fans proud when they triumphed 2-0 at Thulamahhashe stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The game started very well as Tingwenyama came back with a great attacking form though they failed to find an early goal. Inky Masuku had few chances however none of them were converted because he would turn around with the ball like Zion people when singing. It was evident that the log leaders were having  a great and promising first half but then playing good football with no goals means nothing as goals are important and you might have great ball position but still loose so convert as early as possible or in every chance you get. The new kid on the block ‘Nana’ really gave his all in his first game, contributed great balls, passes and even created scoring opportunities. His appreciation for the opportunity was evident through his performance. First half was very tough for mapulaneng while mbombela enjoyed it. A goalless first half it was as none of both wanted to score.

The second half was better as Mbombela found the net in the early minutes after Siya headed and gave mbombela a lead. The hosts couldn’t bare the heat and the pressure not even their fans as they threw bottles on the field. While they couldn’t handle the pressure like professionals, mbombela made it 2-0 after inky’s beautiful goal. The second goal devastated mapulaneng but still they tried to find a goal though they were unfortunate. Fans seem to have their heart more into the game than players as mapulaneng’s fans were on their feet swearing at the referee and throwing bottles. This was a controllable situation because the game continued to the end as mbombela triumphed 2-0, settled with 51 points on top of the ABC Motsepe log while Mapulaneng remained with 29 points on 8^th position.

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Tingwenyama set to reclaim glory

It has been no secret that the log leaders have had tough games recently in the second round. However they managed to win, though winning was a struggle and managed to draw some. United’s unbeaten run came to crash last weekend when they were stunned 2-1 by number three on the log East High Academy. The mighty Tingwenyama as known and called by its supporters set to bounce back this weekend when they drive to Thulamahhashe Stadium to play against Mapulaneng United FC.

The game was very emotional and who could blame them because they are not used to losing especially in the 2014/2015 season it was their first time. Hence fans should familiarize themselves with the three components of a game; lose, win and draw then they would understand that it was not their day of winning. Despite the devastating game over the weekend united is confident about their next match. They still ground on their NFD dream chase. United still face tough games ahead but nothing kills their confidence, the team is willing to go extra miles just to fulfil the NFD dream and also make their fans proud.

Though united  has made peace with their loss and looking forward for their next game they still feel SAFA failed them for appointing referees from lower division to be in charge of their game. They believe this will be rectified so that it would be fair on both parties/teams in future, following the wrong decisions that were taken against the log leaders over the weekend. Mbombela will tackle this upcoming match with their 48 points in hand, still leading the log while Mapulaneng is sitting in 8^th position with 29 points.

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photo gallery: Mbombela united v/s East high Academy.

East High Academy stunned Mbombela United

The game between the two was anticipated not only by the two teams but local football fans as a whole. United knew they had a tough game ahead of them and pressure of keeping their unbeaten run while East High wanted to be the first team to beat united this season. Mbombela had beaten east high 2-1 earlier this season. This was east high’s time to pay back and keep their third position on the log. East high succeeded, they revenged with the same 2-1 score as they beaten united on Saturday afternoon at Kanyamazane stadium.

Siya battles for the ball against two East High players.

The game started well for the opponents as they gave the hosts pressure they couldn’t handle. East high created early chances though they remained chances following their failure to convert. From how things began anyone could have concluded that it was east high’s game. The log chasers didn’t give united a chance to breathe as they were like a python on the neck. Mbombela tried to create chances but none of them were good enough to give the log leaders an early lead. United’s goal struggle was justified by this match as they struggled to come up with goals regardless of the fair chances they had.

Mbombela conceded a foul which changed the mood of the game in the early minutes. This free kick was well placed and well taken from range by Thabo Mohlala   as he found the net and gave east high a lead. United’s goalkeeper didn’t see that one coming; he just stood like someone who had just seen a ghost.1-0 it was in about 15min of the first half.  Mbombela felt the pressure and didn’t hesitate as Inky Masuku rescued united when he headed beautifully and found the net. The opponents were emotionally drained as they didn’t even celebrate enough or hold on their lead ‘boom’ united had equalized. Though united had equalized it was still east high’s game till the last minute of first half.

Second half came out to be another sensational moment as mbombela came back to the game while east high continued with its form. East high made 2-1 in the early 20minutes of second half. Mbombela created as many chance but then none of them worked. East high had more attacking power than united. The game was very emotional as mbombela wanted an equalizer. The hosts struggled to find a goal till the last 3 minutes of the game, were they scored and was judged offside. This decision got fans on their feet very frustrated. When the referee ended the game things got rough following the offside decision. Fans threw bottles inside the field and everyone had to run for their lives. The two sides were not available for interviews following the incident that took place after the match. After all east high was the happy side now having 38 points still in 3^rd position.

Mbombela United against East High Academy

Both united and east high will set to score maximum points, though it’s impossible because only one can. East high is currently sitting on 3^rd position following their lost over the weekend and is only 1 point behind the only Nkomazi team playing in the ABC Motsepe league ‘Phiva Young Stars’ while united still lead the log with a clean sheet, 18 games unbeaten with 48 points. East high will play whole heartedly as they want to make up for their weekend loss and also want to widen their chances in the league title. However mbombela is in a mission of repeating their unbeaten run of the 2012/2013 season.

It’s nor secrete but visibly that mbombela has been struggling to convert goals despite their wins. United’s injuries and yellow cards are doing no good for the team. The log leaders need to come up with a strategy when they face east high tomorrow afternoon at Kanyamazane stadium. United’s coaching side is confident and completely sure that the team will find its scoring form back as they are working on it but then also aware that second round is not like the first. Honesty is the best policy as United’s side admits that they are aware of how tough the game will be and they won’t take it lightly but serious like any other game.

East high has been spotted engaging on evening sessions, and when an anonymous source was asked why night sessions, is it because of tomorrow’s game?, he laughed and replied “ we have been having these session since the beginning of the month, it’s not like we changed only for this game. Night sessions are not good because we play all our games during the day so why at night because we must get used to the sun so that we can be familiar with afternoon weather conditions. These sessions might impact us negatively”. The two will clash for the second time this season as mbombela won 2-1 in the first round.

Mbombela prepare for Saturday’s game

With the tough game ahead of the log leaders, united decided to have a pre-match with TUT Nelspruit campus on Wednesday afternoon. Mbombela wanted to test whether the players are ready to face and conquer the game against east high academy over the weekend. This is a prominent game to both sides however the best team of the day shall win.

The pre-match was a success as the whole team got the chance to play and show case their abilities. The team was split into two squads and two games were played. TUT was unfortunate as both games were won by the mighty Tingwenyama. These were two lovely and refreshing games, gave mbombela a chance to train their injured players and see if they are ready also if they are fit enough to play on Saturday. The first team won 3-1 and the second won 3-0. After these games I bet mbombela wished it was league games as they recently struggling with goals.

Goal struggle for Mbombela

The log leaders seem to be struggling with goals in the past 3 matches. When the team won 9-0 against MP Highlanders everyone thought they were on the right track but then that seems to be not the case because ever since that match the mbombela boys have been struggling to score goals. The team conquered the derby against Phiva 1-0. A tough game it was that’s what everyone said and the 3 points only mattered. Seems like that was not all as united had another tough game on their way against Apollo. The game ended goalless, not even an offside goal was scored on the day. When everyone had their hopes high about the game against eMzinoni, the game turned out to surprise because the 6-1 they trashed eMzinoni with didn’t happen in the second round as mbombela only managed to score 2 goals. The game ended 2-1 won by united.

The team is aware that though they are winning there’s goal drought which united is currently experiencing and it needs quick attention. Fans believe that the team will find its scoring form back and continue scoring goals and settle their place on top of the log. Mbombela had quite few injuries which might not be good at all for the team because it forces them to change the line-up structure. When Coach was asked on when will the rain come to shower the drought faced by his team, he replied “this is second round so it won’t be easy or the same as first round. The issue of goals is about composure but then we will work on it and the goals will flow again”. The team’s success on this issue will be seen on their upcoming games whether they will be the likes of Mamelodi Sundows or be the struggling Kaizer Chiefs.

photo gallery for the game against eMzinoni All Stars:

 

Mbombela United trashes eMzinoni again

Phetolo in contact with the ball during the game against eMzinoni All Stars

Things have not been going well for eMzinoni, being in the bottom 10 of the log table and experiencing consecutive defeats this season while united is having a promising and so far so good season. The first round game didn’t go well for eMzinoni as they were beaten 6-1 away at Kanyamazane stadium. However the Ermelo boys were more prepared this time and by all means wanted to triumph as they had home advantage. United didn’t give eMzinoni a chance as they trashed them at their own game over the weekend.

While united thought they knew what they were up against, clearly they had it wrong because the team they played and beaten 6-1 was up for the challenge and couldn’t bare another defeat from the mbombela boys. The game started well both teams showed enthusiasm and the eager to defeat. United was very powerful from their defenders, midfielders to their strikers, creating scoring opportunities but still failed to convert. eMzinoni was very defensive and couldn’t risk conceding and early goal because that’s how they suffered their first round defeat. The Ermelo boys were very careful at the back and forced the game to go in a 0-0 half time.

United came out more powerful and attacking in the second half and forced eMzinoni to mistakes such as fouls so that they hummer them through sad pieces. The powerful attacking worked for united as they forced eMzinoni to concede a penalty when Mlungisi was brought down by a defender while he made a beautiful run from midfield to the 18 area box. Victor took the penalty and scored the first goal of the game just after second half. The goal gave united more power over the host as they played under pressure. Just few minutes after the penalty Inky gave united a 2-0 lead from a beautiful pass made by Phetulo. Though pressure was on the hosts they tried their level best to remain in the game and fight for a goal. eMzinoni gave their all and found the net in the last few minutes of the game and made it 2-1 but then 1 goal was not enough as they couldn’t find an equalizer. The game ended 2-1 as Mbombela extended their points while eMzinini remain in the bottom 10 of the log.

United set to clinch maximum points

While the Absa premiership has Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits at the back of each other for the league title, the ABC Motsepe league has Mbombela United, East High Academy and Phiva Young Stars eyeing for the title and NFD promotion. One’s loss or draw becomes advantageous to the other. Chiefs’s loss to Maritzburg and Wits’s loss to Amazulu worked to Sundowns’s advantage as they made their way top to second position in the Absa premiership. While the two giants of the ABC Motsepe, Phiva and Mbombela scooped a point each after both played draw over the weekend, when East high made their way to second position following their weekend win.

Mbombela will set to clinch maximum points when they took off to Ermelo to play eMzinoni All Stars tomorrow afternoon. United trashed eMzinoni a massive 6-1 during the first round, now the log leaders will set to continue and expand their points. United currently sit on top position with 45 points  followed by East High with 35 points and Phiva on 3^rd with 33points after the weekend draw. United’s draw didn't sit well for them because if they really want to win the league as they say they must score as many points as possible.

Football is more than a game

Opinion piece

Evidence Mahlalela



soccer ball, bing.com/ images

Allow me when I say football is more than just a game. Football is more than just a game because a game is just about fun but then this is different. Football is fun, interest, love, understanding, talent, passion, hate, frustrations, controversy, unity, overwhelming and means of making a living.

I can still recall when I became a football fan. It was in my early primary school days. I didn’t even know the basis of soccer nor understood a thing about it. I was just one desperate little girl who needed a sports activity to participate on, honestly speaking I was not really interested, I always thought it was a man’s game but then “kungati kufana nekungaboni”, didn’t know I was wrong. Time travelled and I began to have fun, the more I participated I developed a strong feeling of interest. When the interest grew I realised I was falling in love with the game, I started watching soccer matches, asked questions about it, began to understand the basics of the game and even further. Oh believe me it was an awesome and overwhelming feeling. Football taught me how to love. You can’t just say you love when you haven’t even developed interest nor understand a person. Love arose from the deepest of the heart.

South African soccer fans during 2010 world cup, symboling
unity, love and support for Bafana Bafana. bing.com/ images

This game enables young stars to show case their talent and put them to places of their dreams. Football ties strongly with passion because when one is passionate about something then not even losing 5-2 to Amazulu FC or let me say consecutive lose like that of Maritzburg United can bring a man down. This is a game that involves so much hate because when you love something and become so emotionally attached you dislike anything in jeopardy of it. Fans sometimes even fight, not really sure about players because the frustrations during the game sometimes pushes them over the edge. Let me recall Zinedine Zidane’s 2006 FIFA world cup reaction when he head-butted Italy’s Marco Materazzi’s chest and how can I forgot the recent one of Equatorial Guinea fans in AFCON 2015 when they couldn’t stand the 3-0 heat against Ghana and decided to disturbed the game, these are the things that happen when frustration strikes.

Spain celebrates after winning the 2010 World Cup.
 bing.com/images

Football causes controversy as people get to disagree a lot especially when it’s about their teams, no one wants to back down and admit one was better than the other however this becomes an interesting debate that could last longer than the disputes in the SA parliament. Football is capable of bringing different nationalities, cultures, races and religion together all in the culture of football. Yes World Cup, CHAN and AFCON have proven that. In the name of football the world unites and strengthens the bond between nations. Everyone is born with talent so the bible says; soccer is a talent that can make you money as long as you on your game. If you doubt check out Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo they earn fortune just by getting on the field and delivering what is expected of them. I guess now the point is clear when I say football is more than just a game.

 

Tough one for “Tingwenyama”

Turns out the Soweto Derby was not the only derby of the weekend as Mbombela United “Tingwenyama” also clashed against Apollo xi in the ABC Motsepe league on Saturday the 7^th evening at Kanyamazane stadium. These two derbies had certain commonalities; filled stadium, tough, many goal opportunities but none converted as both derbies ended goalless. Both rivals wanted the 3 full points however the game of football is made of 3 components; win, lose and draw thus only one team could walk away with the maximum points if not then 1 to all as result of draw.

Mbombela was eager to keep its unbeaten run and continue where they left following 3-0 win over Apollo in the first round while Apollo wanted to revenge. Mbombela currently owns the number one spot of the log while Apollo is on the sixth position. The game started on a high note as both teams held it in their hands and wanted early goals as possible. Mbombela came out with their everyday strategy of attacking and making the opponents sweat however this didn’t benefit them as none of the chances converted into goals. Apollo created fair chances too but then Simiso “nkabinde” was very mobile as he made brilliant saves like wise. The teams went to a goalless first half with no substitution on both sides.

Both teams had their eyes all out like “sponge bob” in the second half as both were looking for a goal. Several changes were made in the early minutes of the second half as the hosts took in Phetolo “mancane” for Siyathemba “siya”. Phetolo is known for his dominance and scoring opportunities creator in the past tough matches mbombela had. Mbombela tried to strengthen their way forward as they put in Bongane “Ronaldo” but then none of the substitutes were enough to give the hosts a lead as the game ended 0-0. Both teams admitted it was not an easy one, Apollo couldn’t stand “isibhacu” for the second time even Pirates didn’t this time around. The hosts felt like they could have done more than a goalless game but then at the end of the day a draw is better than a loss as it puts them on 45 points still leading the log as for Apollo they sitting on 6^th position with 26 points.

 

 

Phiva suffer a home defeat

A day that both phiva and mbombela fans awaited finally came. A lovely Wednesday afternoon it was very calm weather, cooler than the usual weather of Nkomazi, neither too hot nor cold just calm, a favourable weather for such a big game. Fans came out in numbers to witness all the actions, shibobos, referee’s decision, goals and celebrations down at Kamhlushwa stadium. The mood of the fans created a great atmosphere for the game as they sang joyously however this was before the game started. Phiva needed a win to catch up to the gap between the two, but then knew the toughness they were embarking on. Phiva again failed to conquer the log leaders as mbombela won 1-0.

Both teams were ready for the game that not even referees unpunctuality could have stopped it. The two giants performed sensationally from the go, attacking and defending. Phiva had early chances however they were denied by Simiso “nkabinde” a very trilling performance by the young keeper. When Mbombela paved a way for their chances they did it completely smooth with no thorns as Inky “susan” fired a shot and found the back of the net however it was denied by the referees. Fans got furious as they were already celebrating. While they were still on the first one Inky again managed to slip off phiva’s defence and found the net but then denied again by referees. Not even the referee’s decision can keep a good man down as mbombela remained on point and still owned the game.

Phiva almost found a lead when “Rogger” fired a thunderous shot but Simiso denied it with a super double save. Both teams experienced a goalless first half. Second half was a heat both teams were showing flames, with outstanding performance. Inky did it again for the third time hence the referees did it again and denied his goal. Fans became very emotional as they got on their feet; you would feel the stadium shaking like cyclone stricken the location. Sekome came in to the rescue when he made a lovely cross in the last 30min of the game which Inky headed and gave mbombela a lead this time around not denied. Mbombela defended until the end and walked away with 3 points. The winning side was very pleased with the team’s performance. “I knew it was going to be tough but then am happy with the overall performance. The boys gave their all and happy that our substitutions worked for us. As for referees I accept the decisions” said Mfanimpela Maseko. Mbombela plays Apollo in their next game while Phiva will took off to Secunda to play Secunda Stars.

Phiva host Mbombela

Just a few weeks back fans, football lovers and both Phiva Young Stars and Mbombela United were denied the opportunity to clash on the date that was set for the derby due to Nedbank cup last 32. However SAFA has announced the 4^th of March as the new date for the derby. Phiva will host Mbombela at Kamhlushwa stadium on Wednesday afternoon; the game will kick-off at 16:00h pm.

The two giants have met quite several times and winning has never been easy to any though United triumphed most of the games for the past seasons. Both teams will be playing under lot of pressure; United is setting to expand the league gap as they are seated on the number one spot and very determine to keep their unbeaten record in 15 games as they will play their 16 game. Hence Phiva will want to catch up after they dropped two points this past weekend when they played draw, also make up for their Nedbank cup loss to Jomo Cosmos which led to coach being expelled from the club. This is indeed a very prominent game to both sides.

Though the question was will Phiva survive the derby pressure due to their major change “appointing new coach?” the hosts seem to be very confident and emphasizes that these things happen in football so this situation won’t have negative impact on the game. Phiva base and ground on the fact that a game of football is unpredictable, anything can happen. “I haven’t had much game time with the boys and yes am new but that’s how football is and none of these are stressing me. It’s a big game and i am sure Mbombela is also not at ease as anything can happen during this game. I am also fortunate because I know most of the players some I have worked with before”. Said Ashwin Sutton, Phiva head coach.

United’s winning momentum doesn't give them any advantage because with football you; win, lose or draw and since this is not like any other games surely we shall see flames. The team knows that for them to accomplish the NFD dream they need to give this game their all and make every minute count. “There will be new changes in the team structure due to injuries the team encountered in the past match but then this won’t be an issue because we have plenty of good players capable to tackle this match” added Mfanimpela Maseko, united coach.

Mbombela expand the log table gap

 While others seems to struggle things seems to be really good and promising for the league chasers. United is clearly into its NFD dream as it keeps up the marvelous performance. The team is not in for cheap talks but action as they keep their winning momentum on track. Mbombela continue to be the only unbeaten team internationally for the current season. Phiva Young Stars’s draw worked to Mbombela’s advantage as they widen the gap between the two top teams of the ABC Motsepe league.

The stadium was filled as fans came out in numbers to support their teams. God Chosen hosted Mbombela at Kanyamazane stadium on Saturday 28^th evening. United managed to walk away with 3 points after a tough 1-0 win. Both teams knew how tough the game was going to be following their 1-1 draw at the beginning of the season. These two teams are from same area and also share a home ground. United attacked and forced the hosts to defend however the attacking didn't pay off with a goal but just on and off target shots.

Mlungisi attempted in the late minutes of the first half when he challenged the goalkeeper’s skills and confidence however he failed and instead got injured of which was not good for the team. Chosen had united right where it suited them as none of the chances converted to goals. The hosts struggled to get promising chances this is because united was into them and forced them to be very defensive than attacking. The game went to a goalless half time. The second half was very tough as Mbombela attacked but they were unlucky until the last minutes of the game when the referee awarded them a penalty which was taken by Victor Shongwe. The captain found the net and gave united 1-0 lead which was the only goal of the day as United took 3 points and added to its 38 points. United’s next game is against their biggest competitor and number 2 on the log table, Phiva Young Stars.