Mbombela conquer the derby again

                          

Evidence Mahlalela

It was yet another exciting derby day and thrilling way of ending the season as the two soccer giants of the ABC Motsepe League locked horns this past Saturday at Kanyamazane stadium. Mbombela United went to the game leading by 5 points however the champions were very determined to extend their lead by continuing where they left off just about 2 months ago at Kamhlushwa stadium when they beaten Phiva Young Stars by a heart-creakingly 1-0. It was not a secret that Phiva was out for vengeance following their loses to United whilst they have never beaten Mbombela in any league game however the lions road again and the impalas couldn’t survive the battle as the game ended another 1-0 win for the champions.  The stadium was fully packed, a very great mood and atmosphere for such a huge game.

Both teams showed enthusiasm form the very first minute of the game, created early promising chances but none gave any of the two a lead. Phiva was forced to defend and fight for the ball as Mbombela owned the early minutes of the game. United tried their luck quite a few times but then Phiva’s defence did a marvellous job and so did their goalkeeper. United was well positioned and had Phiva right where they wanted them to be. Phiva struggled to play; going forward was a struggle for them and if they did United’s defence was there to build a very strong and hard wall to break. Bonginkosi ‘Ballack’ Dhladhla had the fans up on their feet when he fired a thunderous shot from outside the box as he made it 1-0 for United, a spectacular goal it was in the early 20min of the game. From there United kept on pushing forward and denied Phiva a chance to play their kind of football and create promising chances. While Phiva was hoping for an equalizer United pushed for a second one but both were unfortunate as the game went to a 1-0 halftime.

The second half turned out better and sensational as Phiva fully came back to the game. United knew they had to go an extra mile to win the game while Phiva realised they had to come up with another strategy to make things work. Both teams introduced substitutes in the second half, hoping for better. Phiva started playing long and high balls which almost worked for them. United did everything to defend their goal as Phiva’s strategy seemed to be giving them hard time, the goalkeeper and defence had to work closely and be smart or else Phiva was out to punish them. Though Phiva seemed to be a better side especially in the late minutes of the game it was too late because their last minute hard work didn’t pay off as the game came to an end.

United’s celebrations took off right away as the game ended and indeed it was a celebration after a long and tough season. United still kept their top spot and extended their lead to 8 points. United now look forward to the play offs and making it to the NFD. Mfanimpela Maseko couldn’t be more happier with his boys, the former player and now coach for United felt that this was an amazing game especially at home however he didn’t deny that it was a tough race yet he was determined to fight till the end, “I know the play offs are going to be tough but I am very sure that we are ready for the war, we just need to motivate and push our players to work harder than this” he added. United’s Chairman Sikhumbuzo Matsebula was very happy with the support they got and the perseverance the team has shown throughout yet he still sees no need for a huge celebration because this was just a first step of the big race.