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Mkhonza reluctant to discuss own goal
Despite his team, AmaZulu, registering a last gasp 3-2 win over Maritzburg United after scoring an own goal, defender Siphiwe "Skizo" Mkhonza appears not to have gotten over the howler.
The lanky defender from Springs spent the whole week shunning interviews and when SuperSport.com finally got hold of him, he was reluctant to discuss the own goal incident.
It was not the first time the former Bloemfontein Celtic, Ria Stars, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United defender has scored an own goal.
During his spell at Lamontville Golden Arrows during the Coca Cola quarterfinal clash against Chiefs at Kings Park Rugby Stadium in the 2001/02 season, Mkhonza put the visitors ahead with an own goal. However, he lifted himself up by going on to equalise, though Arrows exited the tournament through a late Kapamba Musasa goal.
During this season's opening clash against Maritzburg at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, Mkhonza's intended back pass to keeper Mbongeni Mzimela, levelled the score (1-1) after Ayanda Dlamini had put the Usuthu ahead. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi immediately yanked Mkhonza off, replacing him with midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni.
Reluctantly commenting on the own goal, Mkhonza said: "Well it's one of those things that happen in football. I guess I have to forget about this and try to move on, because it wont help regretting and thinking about the own goal. I am just happy the guys pulled the win off."
Usuthu midfielder Tsweu Mokoro, who was heavily criticised for missing two penalties against Mamelodi Sundowns during the Nedbank Cup semis last season, had some words of comfort for Mkhonza.
"Skizo must not let this go to his head, because it might affect his performance in the upcoming game. He's too experienced to worry about the incident. His experience is key to the team going forward. When I missed those two penalties against Sundowns, I refused to let it bother me too much because we had the final to take care of. I have moved on and so shall Skizo," said Tsweu.
