Three teams make their mark in NFD
National First Division top three sides Blackburn Rovers, University of Pretoria and Thanda Royal Zulu proved themselves as serious contenders for promotion by winning their matches this weekend.
Rovers bounced back from last week’s loss to Thanda with a 2-0 win over Atlie FC at the Sinaba Stadium. Linda Shiba and Samkelo Ndlentyana scored for the East London side to keep them two points ahead of AmaTuks.
Second half goals from Chibuzor Nwogbo and Thokozani Sekotlong secured a 2-0 victory for the University of Pretoria over Vasco Da Gama. It was a tightly-contested affair but in the end AmaTuks were able to turn their chances into goals.
Thanda Royal Zulu picked up their three points with a 1-0 victory over the improving FC AK, with Joseph Mthombeni scoring the all important goal. Neil Tovey’s men remain in third position, four points behind Rovers.
On Friday, Chippa United won their second straight game beating United FC 3-1 at the Philipi Stadium. Thabang Makgabutlane put the visitors ahead but undid his good work by scoring an own-goal. Philani Dlamini and Roscoe Petersen ensured victory for Mlungisi Ngubane’s side.
Sivutsa Stars continued with their poor run of form when they suffered a 3-0 loss to FC Cape Town on Sunday. Asavela Mbekile opened the scoring for the home side before a brace from Prince Nxumalo subjected Sivutsa to another thrashing.
Elsewhere, Black Aces brought the smiles back to the people of Mpumalanga with a 3-0 win over Carara Kicks. Lottie Phiri scored the early opener before a late brace from SA Under-23 player Phumelele Bhengu put the game beyond Carara’s reach.
Majalefa Mphuti’s solitary strike gave Bay United a valuable 1-0 win over Dynamos at the Giyani Stadium, while African Warriors and Witbank Spurs failed to score at the Charles Mopeli Stadium.