Impressive comeback for Mbombela United

Evidence Mahlalela

United had a tough one the previous weekend when they took off to Kabhokweni to lock horns with Forek Academy only to come back with 1point as a result of 1-1 draw. Despite the sad and heart breaking draw for ‘Tingwenyama’ as known by its followers, determination and eager to bounce back was filled within them as they hosted Young Highlanders at Kanyamazane Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The mood of the stadium was sensational, the weather and everything was on point. Stadium almost reached full capacity as the fans came to witness the impressive comeback by Mbombela. Young Highlanders drove all the way from Witbank only to be beaten 6-0. This was indeed an impressive comeback for United.

The first minutes were better for both but then it was all about who gets more chances and converts. Highlanders had their fair chances but then they were not strategic enough upfront to beat United’s goalkeeper. Mbombela didn’t hesitate when they got the opportunity in the early 20min of the game as Inky Masuku made it 1-0 for united after a very powerful short just near the centre line. The visitors tried their luck for an equalizer but then united had a very solid and mobile defence. While Highlanders struggled with an equalizer united made it two after Siyathemba Mnguni’s lovely strike, the timing was good, a sensational goal it was. Highlanders failed to get a goal as the game went to a 2-0 half time.

Highlanders only had 45 minutes to equalize or even comeback to win the game but then things turned ugly for the visitors as United made it 3-0 right away in second half by Siyathemba’s brace, a beautiful header from a corner kick. Mbombela didn’t give Highlanders a chance to breath instead it’s like they were strangling them even more harder as Masuku scored his brace to make it 4-0 for United few minutes after the third goal. Highlanders tried their best however it was not good enough to give them a goal hence United didn’t want to concede not even an offside goal. Siyathemba scored his Hat-trick in the late minutes of the game after a beautiful cross couldn’t resist the midfielder’s afro headed as he made it 5-0. Just a few minutes before the three whistle blow, Sinethemba Jantjie who came in as a second half substitution made it 6-0 for United after a simple pass from Masuku, which everyone thought was going to be his hat-trick but guess a brace was enough for him. From fans, management down to the players of United you could tell joy was filled within them especially after their draw. After all this meant United can still hold on to their promotional play offs dream as the league is approaching the end. Isaac Nhlapo one of the most talented midfielders for United couldn’t hide his feelings after he wrote on his facebook “we played well as a team and we have been working hard, we deserve that win” the log leaders are now one game away against number two on the log Phiva Young Stars. The leaders are very confident after their win and their looking forward on the next game. Mbombela sit on top position with 68 points.