National First Division Wrap
Royal Eagles
Royal Eagles shot to the top of the National First Division after hammering Ajax Cape Town 3-1, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) whacked TS Sporting 3-0, while Mbombela United were stunned 3-1 at home by lowly Real Kings. In addition, Ubuntu Cape Town relegated Witbank Spurs and Cape Umoya United surprised Uthongathi FC to the tune of 1-0. Thanks to Strydom Wambi's brace and Lesvin Stoffels' first goal this season, Eagles leapfrogged both the Urban Warriors and Stellenbosch, who have a game in hand. The match at the Chatsworth Stadium saw Eagles piling on the pressure in the first half but during the second period when they suddenly netted twice in the space of just three minutes – it was the turning point! Thomas Verhaar scored a consolation goal for third-placed Ajax. TTM, with their fifth win in a row, are just a point behind the Urban Warriors after goals from Phumelele "Ace" Bhengu (penalty), Nhlanhla Mgaga and Thembisani Nevhulamba. The club under Serbian mentor, Momcilo Medic, has scored 14 goals in 5 games and could qualify for the lucrative play-offs. But the same cannot be said for Tingwenyama after their shock loss to Kings. There was also more success for another Serbian, Vladislav Heric, of Ubuntu, who had a huge smile on his face following his team's 3-0 lashing of a ten-man Siyavutha in Cape Town. The Brave have certainly illustrated conviction and pride by netting 8 times in two fixtures ahead of their vital away clash with Real Kings next weekend. Devon Saal, Waseem Isaacs and substitute, Fawaaz Basadien, were Ubuntu's heroes as a dismal Spurs conceded their 48th goal in 28 games. Umoya can thank Gavin Hammers for his winner, which came in the opening minute at the Princess Magogo Stadium, where the Cane Cutters ultimately failed to fight back. Jomo Cosmos, who share the same points as Ubuntu (31), were on the brink of a 2-1 defeat against University of Pretoria before Angi Lebahi equalised in the dying minutes. Earlier, Samuel Julies hit a brace for AmaTuks, including a penalty. Richards Bay FC lost 2-1 to Maccabi FC in KZN, which lifts the Gauteng side to 32 points.
