Mbombela united experiences tough second round

Evidence Mahlalela

Despite the good first round United had earlier this season things took a turn for bad in the second round following Mbombela’s poor performance in recent matches. Just before Easter holidays United failed to covert resulting to a 0-0 draw against Tjakastaad Junior Sheppards at Elukwatini stadium. The second round has become very tough for the log leaders which might hinder their NFD dream for next season. All eyes were on united over the weekend when they took on Secunda Stars FC at Kanyamazane stadium however mbombela struggled but ended victorious with a 1-0 win.

The winning side was very alert of how tough the game was going to be due to the fact that the second round is tough in every football league across the world. United started off with a very strong team and they had the game from the first second of it. Mbombela also known as Tingwenyama was in to win the game, created scoring chances however none of them converted because the opponents were strong and their goalkeeper did a marvelous job. In this stage of the league there’s too much pressure and so the two were. Inky Masuku had quite few promising chances but he was just unfortunate. A shot fired by Isaac ‘nana’ Nhlapo outside the area box near the corner post accelerated the mood of the stadium however it was denied by the post. If not for the post this was definitely going to be goal of the season. United had more chances than the visitors however this meant nothing because they couldn't find a goal and Secunda was defensively solid.

With the two teams failing to find an early goal the game went to a goalless first half. The second half came with changes as united introduced, Bongane ‘Ronaldo’ Ndlovu, Tshidiso ‘Billiat’ Patjie and Vincent ‘jwaa’ Shongwe. In the second half you could tell that United wanted a goal in a heartbeat while Secunda continued to defend. Mbombela’s changes glued as they developed more attacking power and punished Secunda when Bongane ‘Ronaldo’ registered himself in the books of the referee, giving mbombela a 1-0 lead in the late minutes of the second half. Secunda tried to come back but united wanted nothing at the back, the defence and goalkeeper made sure nothing disrupts them or the goal they struggled for. 

United’s side was thrilled as the match ended while Secunda was devastated but accepted that united was better than their side. Though united won, it is visible that the tough second round they currently experiencing is a threat especially to their NFD dream following the good performance by their competitor Phiva Young Stars sitting in second position with 48 points. United advanced to 55 points after the win while Secunda remained in bottom six with 35 points.