Mbombela United drop points

Evidence Mahlalela

All eyes were set on Mbombela United as they drove off to Kabhokweni on Saturday afternoon to lock horns with Forek Academy. Both teams knew the tempest they were about to come across, a tough game they both anticipated.  United might have beaten Forek in the first round but this time around they were aware it was not going to be easy. The second round has been tough for United and now with only few games left the log leaders know that they have to put more effort if they really want to qualify for play offs. While United was looking to clinch the maximum points Forek denied them as both teams ended up with 1 point all as a result of 1-1 draw.

From the very first minute of the game United really tried their luck however the hosts were solid in every position that they gave united some tough time. Fans were hoping that Inky will rescue the team by giving them an early lead but the game seemed to have been tougher than they thought. Both teams had their early chances but converting was the biggest problem. Isaac Nhlapho tried to shoot from range in the early minutes but it was just too wide. United tried their level best to come up with a goal but the referees seemed to have been opposing this following their decisions. United’s players started being under pressure the very same minute they realised the referees were literally against them. Things took a turn for worst as United’s defender Zolani was easily red carded while the team was still looking for a lead. United was determine to fight no matter how hard the referees made the game to be. Sinethemba’s beautiful striking just before the late minutes of the first half got the fans on their feet singing joyfully as he made it 1-0 for united.

Relief was written all over Mbombela United’s Coach Mfanimpela Maseko as the game went to a 1-0 first half.  Forek came back burning in the second half looking for an equalizer but united was defensively solid despite their early red card. The second half was a very long one for united with the pressure that was on their neck. Forek wanted to punish united with all they had, making them sweat and forcing their defenders to lose focus and commit unbearable mistakes. Forek succeeded as the referee awarded them a penalty after Mxolisi Mayongo’s hand ball just few minutes before the end of second half. The host didn’t hesitate but used the opportunity to equalize. Though fans and players felt robbed by the referee there was none they could have done because it was the referee’s decision and it was declared a goal.

As much as both teams were reluctant of a loss they wanted to hold on to that draw because it seemed to have been the better result at that time. Mfanimpela Maseko was not happy at all as the referee ended the game; there were allegations that the referee ended the game before time. Fans were furious as they entered the field so coaches couldn’t be reached at that point for interview however Maseko was reachable in a telephonic interview and he said “The game was very bad am not happy at all with the referee’s decisions either the results but then am proud ngabafana ‘boys’ they really tried their best, we just have to win the two remaining games”. This game was like the worst nightmare for Tingwenyama. United’s goalkeeper Simiso was in tears as the game ended one all, feeling robbed and the unfairness against his team. United is left with two games one of them is the derby against Phiva Young Stars on the 30^th of May.