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.